Julia Curcio Alexander, PhD
Dr. Julia Curcio Alexander is a licensed psychologist in clinical and forensic practice in the Philadelphia area. Her clinical practice is focused on adults with trauma and stressor-related conditions including acute and chronic posttraumatic stress, mood disorders and challenges coping with distressing emotions related to abuse and other adverse experiences. Rather than viewing these challenges as primarily pathological, Dr. Curcio Alexander approaches these conditions as forms of injury and respects the ways in which individuals have coped, with unhurried exploration of recurring emotional states and behaviors that limit self-determination. Dr. Curcio Alexander has extensive experience in relational, cognitive and mindfulness-based approaches to support individuals moving forward to lives closer to what they envision for themselves.
Dr. Curcio Alexander received a Master of Science in Counseling from Villanova University and her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Child Development and Developmental Psychopathology from Temple University. She then obtained Post-Graduate training in forensic psychological assessment from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Dr. Curcio Alexander has been in private practice for almost thirty years during which time she has served in multiple clinical training and supervisory roles throughout the Philadelphia area. Dr. Curcio Alexander has also served as an Adjunct Faculty at Widener University and continues to use her extensive expertise in providing behavioral health and forensic continuing education for other practitioners.
In forensic practice, Dr. Curcio Alexander specializes in allegations of sexual misconduct including by healthcare professionals, clergy and others in positions of authority; allegations of undue influence/coercive control such as in cults; and individuals who have allegedly harmed or killed their perpetrators of abuse. Dr. Curcio Alexander has published peer-reviewed articles and chapters on child sexual abuse and children with disabilities who have been abused, provides forensic continuing education, and has been admitted as an expert in common pleas and federal courts.
Julie Benzaquen, PhD
Dr. Julie Benzaquen is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise working with children, adolescents, and families. She works diligently with her clients to establish a strong therapeutic alliance with all members of the family, collaborating with them to develop new coping strategies and create positive changes in mood and behavior. Dr. Benzaquen specializes in the use of evidenced based strategies for psychological and psychoeducational assessment as well as the treatment of a broad range of emotional, social, and behavioral challenges. These include, but are not limited to anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, school stress, learning disabilities, family stress, and behavioral problems in early childhood. She also has extensive experience working with children with chronic illnesses and medical challenges.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Benzaquen received a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Miami with a specialization in child and family psychology. She completed her clinical internship and fellowship at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children where she subsequently worked as a licensed psychologist. Dr. Benzaquen was an Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University from 2009 to 2010. Since 2011, Dr. Benzaquen has worked in private practice settings providing consultation, assessment, and intervention services for children, adolescents, young adults, and families.