Alex Ertl, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Program Director for the Trauma, Stress, and Resilience program at UCEBT. He completed his doctoral training at the University of Indianapolis, working with adults in community outpatient and university settings. Alex completed his APA-accredited internship at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, where he engaged in a trauma-treatment training program.
Alex recognizes the vast impact that traumatic experiences have on both individuals and our society as a whole. Some studies show that as many as 70% of adults worldwide have experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime. Traumatic experiences take many forms, may relate to a single incident or repeated events, and can happen at any point across the lifespan. Alex understands that the impacts of trauma are typically far-reaching within oneself and often lead people away from being able to build the fulfilling life and relationships they desire. He strives to empower his clients to reclaim their lives, to prevent trauma from getting in the way of living in accordance with their values, and to find peace within themselves.
While he has developed a specialty in the treatment of trauma, Alex finds joy in working with a wide range of individuals and couples, including those seeking therapy for OCD, anxiety, depression, and relationship distress. Having served as a previous clinical director in the community, he has developed a strong generalist background that can be applied across a wide range of presenting concerns. Alex utilizes a variety of treatments to best match his clients’ preferences, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), among others. To match clients’ needs, Alex can tailor these treatments based on individual preferences, histories, and personal styles.
Alex strongly believes in the power of collaboration and partnership in the therapeutic process. His gentle and approachable style leaves space for clients to uncover hidden strengths, try new approaches to relating to others, and find their own voice. And while learning coping skills and applying new ways of being in the world are essential aspects of therapy, Alex believes that therapy can only be successful when the therapeutic space has become one of safety, trust, and warmth.
When Alex is not in session, he can typically be found on a bicycle or hiking a trail. His personal value of connecting with nature leads to many expeditions to mountains or deserts where he seeks a sense of awe from the West’s natural beauty.
Out Of State Sessions:
In addition to seeing clients in Utah and Colorado where he holds dual-licensure, Dr. Ertl is PsyPact approved and can provide telehealth services in over 41 states.
PsyPact is "designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology and the temporary in-person, face-to-face practice of psychology across state boundaries". For more information about PsyPact, please CLICK HERE.
Alex’s Recommended Resources:
Books:
- “Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find - and Keep – Love” by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
- “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
- The Happiness Trap (Second Edition): How to Stop Struggling and Start Living, By Russ Harris
- The Illustrated Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living, by Russ Harris
YouTube: Russ Harris Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Youtube
Podcast: https://mormonsex.info/
