PuttingFamilyFirst

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AC Portrait of Alexandra Ainge Cottle
Online therapist

Alexandra Ainge Cottle

Compassionate family-focused counseling

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Credentials
LCMHC, LPC
Experience
12 years
Licensed in
Utah, Oregon
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Alexandra

Alexandra Ainge Cottle is a licensed counselor who helps families and individuals manage stress, parenting challenges, grief, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, and other life changes. She brings a calm, down-to-earth style and aims to make therapy feel practical and understandable. Her work often focuses on improving communication, coping skills, and emotional safety at home.

She trained at the University of Utah where she completed a master’s degree in Educational Psychology with study in cognitive behavioral and multicultural approaches.

Background and approach

Alexandra has 12 years of experience and has worked in schools, homeless shelters, and community organizations. That early school-based work informs how she supports adolescents and family systems today. In session she uses a mix of evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy - CBT - and acceptance and commitment therapy - ACT - along with attachment-based and client-centered approaches.

She blends methods to fit each family’s needs rather than following a single formula. Sessions include practical tools, clear feedback, and room to talk through feelings. Alexandra also has experience presenting on parenting, anger management, grief, and related topics to groups and community audiences.

Her independent practice is based in South Jordan, Utah, and she draws on years of hands-on work with individuals, couples, and families to address everyday problems. She describes her style as compassionate and straightforward, and she aims to build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Her approach balances empathy, real-world exercises, and a sense of hope for people facing difficult transitions.

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and then choose actions that match their values. It can help with anxiety, stress, and life transitions by focusing on what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. It is often useful for anxiety, depression, sleep and eating issues, and anger. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how relationships shape emotion and behavior and can help couples and family members build safer, more connected interactions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Alexandra works collaboratively with clients to match methods to their goals, needs, and preferences. She will explain why a technique might help and check in to see if it feels useful, adjusting the plan over time.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy families and people who travel. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation, phone sessions can fit tighter schedules, and live chat or text-based messaging offers ongoing check-ins and short coaching between sessions. These options make it easier to practice skills in real life and keep therapy consistent despite changing routines.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of issues does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, parenting challenges, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, sleep and eating problems, and related life changes.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is compassionate and straightforward, focused on practical tools and clear communication. Sessions combine listening with exercises you can use at home.
What experience does she bring?
She has 12 years of experience, including work in schools, homeless shelters, and community groups, plus a independent practice serving individuals, couples, and families.
What credentials and region apply?
She holds LCMHC and LPC credentials and practices from Utah. Her licence details include UT LCMHC 10997254-6004 and OR LPC C4276.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Sessions can be delivered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what works best for the client.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
12 years
Licensed
Utah, Oregon
Languages
English

Next step

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