meet alicia rozycki, PhD
In starting this practice I reflected on my personal and career experiences to date. In the past, I had been on the path where I was doing all the things, too many things, that only set me on a path to overload. I also experienced lack of fulfillment by making life decisions that were incongruent with where I really belonged in life; there was too much time spent with people who were takers and not givers.
After spending most of my career working as a military psychologist with concentrations with older adults, health psychology, psychological testing, and addictions, I shifted to the civilian sector offering outpatient therapy. Although I loved working in all those areas and still do, I found I was really drawn to working with women at this point in my career.
I saw I was not alone in my life path and discovered there were many more high achieving, successful women who were being dragged down by overdoing. They had too much on their to-do lists. They were not only carrying that load but usually carrying the load of a loved one who was not pulling their own weight, whether with household chores, financials, or emotions. They drifted away from what was in their best interests or their true selves.
I understood the place they had gotten to and wanted them to experience the healing I had experienced. Life is just too good on the other side of healing, living the life you want to live, by your own design. I want as many women as possible to experience that shift too.
what is your approach to therapy?
My approach begins with alleviating acute distress you may be feeling. Once you get sleep, reduce anxiety, and lift depression, you'll be able to move forward in addressing deeper issues. I work with clients to understand their life story and how that has created patterns that are no longer useful.
In identifying patterns and reactions together, you'll have the awareness and insight to make changes. Usually underneath the acute symptoms are feelings of worthlessness and confusion about direction, purpose, or roles.
With the clarity you now have, you can consciously decide how you want to go forward. I want you to believe in yourself so that you can stop self-judgment and trust yourself and your decisions.
With this, you'll have the confidence to make changes like setting boundaries, leaving toxic environments, and saying yes to self-care. You'll see your energy return and enjoy engaging in activities that are fun and nurturing.
You'll be convinced that you deserve your best life.
what perspective drives
your THERAPEUTIC work ?
In years of working with women I’ve observed two main culprits are often at the root of their problems. When I see a woman who is blocked from her highest potential or when I see a woman struggling with depression or anxiety, I also see she is:
feeling lost about her purpose or roles
feeling some degree of worthlessness
Oftentimes women have been lead to believe by others that they are not good enough or worthless in some way. The messages may have come from caregivers in their youth, unsupportive spouses or family, or critical teachers, bosses, or institutions.
with online therapy learn to shift self-doubts to self-confidence
Sadly, these messages have been internalized leading to low self-esteem, self-doubt, imposter syndrome or even depression or anxiety. This negative self-talk has infiltrated individuals so deeply, they may choose activities, life roles, or career paths that are incongruent with their true purpose. They overachieve and overdo to please everyone but feel empty inside. It's an awful way to live, and I want to change that.
I'm passionate about creating a safe space for my clients to open up, share whatever is weighing on them, and give them a place where they don't have to be perfect. I love watching people shed the despair and begin practicing self-love, develop self-respect, and design a life they truly love. I just feel so happy for them when I see them shift and start living life from a more content and joyful place. I love it when they notice they are handling things from a much better space than they had before. I wish that for everyone and love watching that process unfold one person at a time.
Do you assign homework, activities, or readings between sessions?
YES! I have found over the years that most clients I work with are hungry for solutions. They want to work. They want to get better. They like to end a session with something tangible to work on until we meet again. I believe working on activities in between sessions accelerates healing and growth. For me it's a matter of curating the right activity for each individual.
I take into account your learning style, your likes and dislikes, and what type of activities will be right for you specifically. In addition to recommending well-established readings or exercises, this is also a place where my own creativity comes into play as ideas for specific writing or artistic assignments or ways to custom tailor activities come to life as I hear someone's life story and needs.
where have you worked prior to private practice?
My current practice caters to women who are the over-doers and are overwhelmed. I want to support the professional woman in balancing life stressors or transitions like moving, divorce, career changes, grief, and role changes. During my 16+ years as a psychologist I have conducted research, taught college courses, and offered therapy and psychological testing in private practice, on military bases and with the VA.
Most of my career has been working as a military psychologist across all branches of service, so I also enjoy working with military members, veterans, spouses, and government employees. From working bases and also being a military spouse, I understand and deeply respect that institution.
Additionally, I have worked extensively with older adults and caregivers, and so I have had a practice focus as a health psychologist (primary care, neurology, cancer center, diabetes center, bariatric surgery centers). This includes work in addictions and codependency. As far as settings, I have worked in hospitals (both mental health and medical), primary care offices, nursing homes, and military bases. I have also enjoyed teaching college courses at three different universities.
I’ve assessed and treated a range of psychological concerns. I feel this broad background can be an asset in helping address concerns you may have for yourself or loved ones.
Dr. Alicia Rozycki
Through life, education, and work, I life have lived in New York, Maryland, Texas, New Jersey, Florida, Colorado, and now Germany, with plans for more relocation as a military spouse.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking with my husband, watching our favorite shows and movies, and travelling. I take work breaks by walking our 3 dogs, Lucy, Ethel, and Tocino. I’m an art lover. I enjoy taking painting classes, studying interior decorating, and visiting museums and galleries. I also love all kinds of music and play classical piano. Cycling and practicing yoga are my happy places. And I root, root root for my home team, the New York Yankees.
selected credentials & Education
MA in Psychology, Texas Tech University
BS Cum Laude with Honors in Psychology, Univ. of Maryland
BA in Studio Art, Univ. of Maryland
Florida Licensed Psychologist PY9817
Colorado Licensed Psychologist PSY.0005411
Pennsylvania Licensed Psychologist PS019579
Maryland Licensed Psychologist #06810
Board Certified Telehealth Professional Level II from Telebehavioral.org
Member National Register of Health Services Psychologists #64041
Internship New Jersey VA Healthcare System
Presidential Citation 2018, APA Division 10, The Society for the Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts
DSA Certified Residential Interior Designer, Florida State College at Jacksonville
Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) per PSYPACT Commission (inactive with international location)
