Relationship Challenges or Substance Abuse Issues

I CAN HELP

Alana Gissen, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, with almost three decades of experience.

Alana graduated from the University of South Florida Cum Laude and after receiving a full scholarship to Barry University, she graduated with her MSW.

Alana is THE Addiction and Relationship Specialist in the Miami area.

My Practice

  • 60-minute First Session Evaluation
  • 45-minute Follow-up Sessions
  • Telehealth Sessions
  • Videoconference
  • Intensives/Interactive Training/Coaching
  • Customized Packages Available
  • Results Oriented

About Me

  • My LIFE MISSION is Helping People
  • Born and Raised in Miami
  • Open Minded & Focused on Solutions
  • Dually Specialized
  • Non Judgmental and Compassionate
  • Very Direct Approach
  • Experienced Therapist Since 1991
  • Second Generation Therapeutic Family
Call Me 786-260-7738

Are you feeling…

Lonely?

I can help you begin to develop an awareness about your thinking, feeling and behaving and how they are connected.

Stuck?

Let’s get curious about what is really going on and why. Choosing to become vulnerable will require you to surrender to uncertainty.

Exhausted?

You need guidance on feeling regretful, pissed, hurt, angry, worried, heartbroken, fearful, overwhelmed, and in pain.

“Alana’s passion is helping people. Her practice specialties are assisting those with relationship issues and substance abuse challenges. She has specialty training in sex therapy. She creates a very safe environment for her client’s to open up and share their thoughts and feelings. Alana is empathic, compassionate, and extremely caring.” Eva Ritvo MD
“Alana and I worked together at a residential addiction treatment center in Miami for many years. She has over 25 years of experience in the field. She is my go to therapist for relationship, addiction, and sexual issues. Alana is so considerate to her client’s and will go that extra mile to help someone. Alana is authentic and sincere. Alana is professional with a high standards of ethics and a deep consideration for her clients and colleagues. Alana is someone I am honored to have worked with.”
Gonzalo Quesada MD
“I have worked closely with Alana Gissen in a professional capacity. She is a consummate expert in the field of addictions, is extremely knowledgeable about addiction treatment programs and other resources locally and on a national scale, and is a highly effective consultant to families and professionals in this field. She is also a superb therapist for individuals and couples. “
Melissa A. Friedman, PhD, ABPP
“Alana was spot on with us. We came to see her when we were about to get a divorce. It was bad. I had been sleeping on the couch and we were not talking. Our marriage was hanging on a thread. Alana was so kind. You can tell that she really cared us. She taught us both a new way to talk and understand each other. I had to learn how to not be so defensive. I can honestly say, we are happy again. “
David R.
“I was so embarrassed to come in and speak with a sex therapist. From my first impression of Alana, she seemed so understanding and considerate. She made me feel so comfortable (like I was talking to a friend). I didn’t understand why I had no interest in sex anymore with my partner. After beginning to understand my patterns, I’ve learned to face my fears of intimacy and abandonment.”
Anonymous
“We thought we lost him forever after his overdose. Finally, he is back on track. It hasn’t been easy to say the least. Alana has been with our family every step of the way. We are currently mending our family relationships thanks to the guidance, wisdom and patience of Alana.”
Mary

“We came to see her when we were about to get a divorce. It was bad. I had been sleeping on the couch and we were not talking. Our marriage was hanging on a thread. Alana was so kind. You can tell that she really cared. She taught us both a new way to talk and understand each other. I learned to not be so defensive. I can honestly say Alana saved us and our marriage “

Tom R.

“Addiction took over my life. I was so humiliated. I was just existing and surviving in my miserable life. I had to start an entire new lifestyle. Alana helped me begin my journey in recovery. I am clean and sober now and ever grateful to Alana for her understanding and not judging me. Alana saved my life.”
Jamie L.
“I was newly single in my life after many years of being married. My husband was unfaithful and I needed to learn how to get over my sadness and anger. Then I needed to learn how to date again without thinking all men are “pigs”. Alana taught me how to enjoy dating offensively not defensively with my eyes OPEN.” Sharon

More About Me

You have challenges and struggles, I get it, We have all been there. I am a clinical psychotherapist born and raised in Miami by my mom and dad who are pioneers in the field of addiction treatment. My parents established one of the first residential substance abuse treatment centers in South Florida.

I am not only tremendously qualified, but feel blessed and honored to be able to have a lifetime career of saving lives. I am dually specialized in addiction and sex therapy.

I am passionate about helping people with relationship issues. I am compassionate and tenacious; I never give up hope. I do not back away from significant challenges. I will work heart and soul to make a positive impact in your life. It’s a different journey for everyone. I’ll help you every step of the way. I have devoted almost 3 decades of my life to helping people; I would love the opportunity to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Telehealth…

What type of services can your teletherapy practice help me with?

I provide teletherapy for individuals, couples and families. 

What equipment do I need to get started?

You will need a computer, smartphone, tablet or ipad. 

Is teletherapy as effective as in-office sessions?
Yes, in fact, there is research to support the effectiveness of teletherapy sessions. It has been identified as equally (delete as) effective to in person sessions providing therapeutic support. 

I am finding that clients are benefiting and really enjoying our virtual sessions.

Where do I sign up?
Call Me 786-260-7738

After I sign up, when can I begin?

You will receive a welcome email from a secure client portal from alanagissen@SimplePractice.com. Please open this email from your DESKTOP so that you will be able to fully complete pre session documents and provide some information about yourself.  You will be asked to provide your credit card information on the secure client portal; your credit card will be charged for prepayment to schedule and reserve your appointment time/date.

I look forward to meeting you.