Meet Alexandra Macias | Owner & Clinical Social Worker at Coalta Therapy and Wellness

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Macias and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was a mix of goals, dreams, and an unwavering desire for freedom. It all began with the inspiration from my mom when I was a child. Immigrating from Italy as a teenager, she became an unshakeable realtor in Southern California, modeling what success and hard work could look like. On the day I was born, she was signing contracts and closing on a home for her clients. Since before I could walk or talk, I was right by her side at her office, open houses, broker’s open, inspections, and walkthroughs. I saw every day how passionate she was about her clients and how other realtors admired, respected, and preferred to work with her when possible.

But it wasn’t just her example of successful self-employment that inspired me. My diverse social work experiences in private and public, for-profit and nonprofit environments provided the foundation to plant and grow my psychotherapy and wellness practice. All my work in hospitality and human services helped form the values on which my practice is built: community, empowerment, and growth.

Specifically, the thought process of starting my therapy practice involved setting firm deadlines. I promised myself I would quit my government job as soon as I received my LCSW licensure. To meet that hard deadline, I set smaller goals with specific timelines. I made sure I was my biggest source of accountability, frequently checking in on my progress and holding myself to my plans. I knew it wouldn’t be easy—there were fears of financial uncertainty, but I created a plan. After receiving my clinical license and leaving the government, I worked part-time in the field to grow my practice, with the intention for this to be temporary until it made financial sense to devote all my professional time to my practice.

What should our readers know about your business?
Coalta Therapy & Wellness was born out of the recognition that conventional and siloed approaches to mental health often fail to address the interconnectedness of our well-being. Having worked in diverse social work environments—ranging from public schools and nonprofits to government systems—I saw firsthand the need for a more holistic approach to address trauma, grief, anxiety, chronic stress, and relationship issues.

What sets us apart is our commitment to integrating ancient methodologies, like breath work and meditation, with evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solutions-Focused Therapy. We believe that wellness requires a balance of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of ourselves.

Our approach is rooted in the idea that just as nature maintains balance (sun & moon, summer & winter), so too must we balance our own wellness. By merging these practices, we create a safe and nurturing space for clients to grow, flourish, and transform.

The journey to establishing Coalta Therapy & Wellness was not without its challenges. Transitioning from a structured institutionalized role to running my practice required a clear vision, structured planning, relentless dedication, and a lot of help. Overcoming obstacles involved leveraging the support of loved ones, researching and learning, and many trials and errors. Since starting this journey, I have come to believe to wholeheartedly believe that there is no such thing as failures, there are only inefficiencies.

The lessons I’ve learned include the importance of staying true to a holistic vision, the value of integrating diverse approaches to address complex issues, and the power of resilience in the face of challenges. I want the world to know that Coalta Therapy & Wellness represents a progressive, integrative approach to mental health that acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to offer a more comprehensive and balanced path to healing and well-being.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am so lucky to be able to have two locations to work and meet my clients! My Westminster office is quite literally in the middle of the city, within walking distance of City Hall. If my clients ask where to get a nearby bite, I would recommend One Vietnamese Restaurant, Tous les Jours for a treat, and El Mirador for Mexican Food!

For my Boulder clients, I am located across the street from Eben G. Fine Park, right on Boulder creek, as well as a block from The People’s trailhead…both gorgeous spots to be immersed in nature. For food, I would recommend Bartaco for happy hour, Gemini for Tapas, and Zoe Ma Ma for dim sum!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my fiancé and best friend Tanner! I am so excited to marry you a week before our 5th anniversary. Thank you for being a supportive partner and always being sensible and practical. You helped my goals and dreams become blueprints and stepping stones. Thank you for dedicating your weekends and evenings helping me to fulfill my beautiful vision for my offices. Your love, encouragement, and hard work mean the world to me. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, building our future together.

Website: https://coaltatherapy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coaltatherapy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557654594815

Image Credits
Photo with the team (from left to right): Michael Smock, LSW, myself, Lori FLower, LPCC, and Suzy Kennedy, LPCC

Photo with my mom, Rose Muraro.