About Me

Hi! I’m Alexander Jonathan Tyler, though most people call me A.J.

I enjoy working with people from all walks of life who are ready to explore their inner worlds. I deeply value reflection and growth, and I strive to move through the world with a sense of humility, warmth, and respect for the beautiful complexity of being human.

I am a Multi-Racial (Black, Italian, Puerto Rican) cis-male, Bay Area Native, and parent.  I hold a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA and did my undergraduate degree at San Jose State. I found my way to the mental health field after years in the Tech industry.  My first experience with therapy was my own individual counseling and working with the right clinician was a powerful and transformative experience. I'm also currently working at Crisis Stabilization program in Oakland and have previously worked at the 988 hotline.

My Approach

I operate from the belief that you are the expert in your own life. My strengths-based approach means I see you as a person shaped by your experiences and relationships, possessing an inherent resilience even when things feel difficult. I believe every behavior has a deeper meaning, even if that meaning isn't immediately clear to us.

Our work together is a collaborative partnership that centers your wisdom. While I draw from a variety of perspectives (including Relational, Psychodynamic, and Attachment theories) the goal isn't to fit you into a box. Instead, I integrate tools from CBT, mindfulness, and existential therapy to create a space that feels authentically yours. We’ll do some talking, some laughing, and perhaps some crying, but we will always move at a pace that respects your needs.

How We’ll Work Together

I bring a thoughtful, grounded presence to our sessions, leaning on curiosity and a non-judgmental stance to help us explore the patterns of your life. By making the unconscious conscious, we work to uncover new choices in places where you may have previously felt stuck. My goal is to ensure you feel seen and respected as we navigate your rich inner world together.

I enjoy working with adults and adolescents of all identities, as well as couples and families of all configurations. I'm am able to support a wide range of challenges including, but not limited to:

• Identity, including mixed race, multicultural, and BIPOC and Men’s issues

• Anxiety and depression

• Parenting and postpartum

• Childhood and/or intergenerational trauma 

• Life transitions

• Grief and loss 

• Relational challenges

• Existential concerns, exploring questions of meaning, purpose, identity, and life direction

• Fatherhood

• Perfectionism