About

Hi, I’m Dr. Alena Schuss, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of Aera Mental Health. I am deeply passionate about walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges and uncover pathways toward healing, growth, and lasting change. Originally from Austria, my journey brought me to the United States in 2017 on a full athletic scholarship for cross-country and track. Prior to that, I spent several years competing as a professional triathlete. These experiences shaped not only my resilience, but also my deep understanding of the mental and emotional demands placed on high performers. I hold both Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, complemented by academic training in Business Administration and Exercise & Sports Science. I am currently completing my second doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and working toward licensure as a clinical and forensic psychologist, with the goal of expanding my work in psychological assessment. I am also further developing specialized training in child custody evaluations. My clinical work focuses on trauma, grief, performance pressure, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Specialized Experience

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working extensively with first responders, veterans, athletes, and high performers, individuals whose roles often carry invisible emotional weight. I am an assigned clinician for the Anaheim Police Department through The Counseling Team International and regularly respond to critical incidents, providing support in high-stress, crisis environments. My doctoral dissertation, “The Lived Experiences of Adult Children Raised by Police or Fire Service Parents,” reflects my ongoing commitment to understanding and supporting those impacted by high-demand professions.

Education & Ongoing Training

• Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD in progress)

• Doctor of Marriage & Family Therapy (DMFT)

• Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

• Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Sports Science

Approach to Therapy

My work is grounded in both evidence-based practice and genuine human connection. I integrate:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

• Trauma-informed care

• Relational and systems-based approaches

• Performance-focused and high-achiever mental health work

I also have extensive experience working with addiction and maladaptive coping patterns. I understand that behaviors such as substance use, overworking, or emotional avoidance often serve a purpose and we work to understand those patterns without judgment, while also creating healthier, more sustainable ways of coping

Beyond the Therapy Room

Outside of my clinical work, I continue to stay active as a hobby triathlete and find balance through swimming, biking, and running. I love being near the water, spending time with close friends, and enjoying music. I live in South Orange County with my partner, who serves as Chief Pilot for the Orange County Fire Authority, and our wolf dog, Stella. I come from a very active and supportive family in Austria. My sister is a physician, and my parents have been a constant source of encouragement throughout my journey.

Dr. Alena Schuss
Founder, 🌿 Aera Mental Health

DMFT, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
CA #153178

Doctoral Dissertation: 2024.31770537