Hello!
I’m Dr. Nina Alpert, PsyD
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I’m passionate about helping individuals navigate the depths of their emotions, uncover their inner strength, and achieve meaningful growth.
The ocean can teach you a lot about life.
Growing up on the East Coast near the Chesapeake Bay, I developed an early connection with the water through sailing. I learned early that life, much like the ocean, is full of both calm waters and powerful storms.
Just as the sea requires patience and respect, so too does the journey of personal growth.
When my parents divorced, I found myself reflecting deeply on human connection and the complexity of family dynamics. This curiosity about relationships became a driving force in my life, leading me to pursue a career in psychology.
At Deep Sea Psychology, I believe that every person has depths - parts of ourselves that we may not always understand but that hold immense potential for growth.
Therapy is a unique space for transformation; one that I have benefited from greatly myself. I became a psychologist because I wanted to help others gain insight into their lives, understand their emotions, and ultimately discover the tools they need to navigate their own internal seas.
Education & Training
Psychology Doctorate (PsyD) & Master of Arts in Psychology
California School of Professional Psychology
Alliant International University, San Diego
Doctoral research: Examining the relationship between attachment style, communication, and sexual regret for women who have casual sex
Doctoral Internship
University of Rochester Counseling Center
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of California, Berkeley
Approach to Treatment
I work primarily from a psychodynamic theory. This theory posits that our past affects our present, but if we can be more aware of our patterns and historical experiences that we can have more choice in our lives now. For a variety of reasons, we utilize defenses to avoid emotional distress. The goal of this treatment is to help you feel and articulate your emotional life in a way that you haven’t been able to before. I will listen very carefully to the repetitive themes in your life, which at times will show up in our unique relationship as patient and therapist. This means that each treatment is individually tailored to the client.
Here you can watch the originator of MBT discuss where his mentalization breaks down:
With individuals and couples, I also lean heavily on my training in Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), which stems from attachment theory. Mentalization can be understood as ‘keeping the mind in mind’ or being aware that you have a mind that is separate from others’ minds. It’s very normal for this process to breakdown at times. I can help you become more aware of when you lose this ability and teach you skills to help you turn mentalization back on to better regulate your emotions and behaviors.
Here you can watch Dr. Jonathan Shedler, an expert in the field, discuss the process of psychodynamic therapy:
Other modalities I commonly utilize are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Teaching Experience
Introduction to Psychotherapy
Alliant International University, San Diego
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program
Advanced Psychopathology
Alliant International University, San Diego
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program
Please reach out to schedule a free 15-minute phone or video consultation.
