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About

Finding the right therapist is an essential element in the therapeutic process.

AKL Therapy is a psychotherapy practice serving patients in New York and New Jersey. We specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, body image disturbance, perinatal mental health and infertility. In addition to these areas of expertise, we work with a diverse range of clientele seeking psychotherapy for a variety of reasons including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relational issues and life transitions.

Our collective experience working at outpatient and inpatient levels of care, as well as in other mental health settings has provided us with a robust understanding of treatment needs and interventions.

We are a thoughtful and dedicated group of therapists who believe that therapy is a collaborative process. We work with you to identify the areas that you want to work on, at a pace that feels right.

Harry Stack Sullivan, a pioneering psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, famously said, We are all much more simply human than otherwise. This embodies our approach to getting to know you as a unique individual in the context of your family, culture and personal lived experience. Our therapists are trauma informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, social justice oriented and aligned with a weight-inclusive, anti-diet philosophy.

Who We Are

Alizah K. Lowell

Alizah K. Lowell, LCSW-R, CEDS-C is a licensed clinical social worker, a certified eating disorder specialist-supervisor and the founder of AKL Therapy. Alizah’s training as an interpersonal psychoanalyst guides her approach in helping patients alleviate initial issues and symptoms, while also exploring the underlying causes to create change that lasts.

Alizah has worked with individuals, couples, families and groups in different settings ranging from non-profit organizations to specialized hospital units. This background has provided her with extensive experience and training in a variety of clinical modalities.

Alizah is authentic, warm and empathic in her approach. She has a collaborative style that values curiosity about oneself and the therapeutic relationship.

Alizah also supervises clinicians at all stages of their careers working in different mental health settings. She provides consultation and presentations to organizations and other practitioners on topics related to eating disorders, the disordered eating spectrum and body image.

Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts with honors from Washington University in St. Louis 

Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University

Postgraduate Certificate in Psychoanalysis from the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis and Psychology

NY LCSW-R: State of New York Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Psychotherapy “R” Privilege

NJ LCSW: State of New Jersey Licensed Clinical Social Worker

SIFI: Seminar in Field Instruction completed at Columbia University

CEDS-C: Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Consultant through the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (2015-present)

Supervisor of Psychotherapy and Faculty in the Eating Disorders, Compulsions and Addictions Service (EDCAS) and the Intensive Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program (IPPP) at the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis and Psychology (WAWI) (2020-present)

Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatric Social Work, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons (2011-2014)

“Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.”

The Grateful Dead

Jessica Kenyon

Jessica Kenyon, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker with training and expertise in treating eating disorders, adolescent issues, trauma/PTSD, anxiety and mood disorders. Her experience working in partial hospital and intensive outpatient programs has given her an in-depth understanding of the clinical needs of patients. Jessica has advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness based approaches, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and compassion focused techniques.

Jessica is a weight-inclusive, body positive provider who is authentic in her clinical work. She is nonjudgmental in her approach to addressing disordered eating and body image challenges and aspires to help you develop a healthy relationship to food, your body and yourself.

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rutgers University

Master’s Degree in Social Work from Columbia University

Obtaining certification as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals

Child/Adolescent Mental Health Certificate in progress through Rutgers’s University

Supervision & Education

Are you looking for individual or group supervision, consultation or educational workshops for you or your organization/program?

What Colleagues Say

"Alizah Lowell is one of the best clinicians I have ever collaborated with. Her ability to understand and conceptualize a client is brilliant and her compassion with her clients allows them to feel deeply seen and understood. She is a phenomenal supervisor and individual/family therapist. If you want to work hard, be challenged and make changes, Alizah and anyone on her team would be an incredible fit."
Jill Lewis, MA, LCSW, CEDS-S, CGP
Clinical Psychotherapist, Speaker, Workshop Leader
"I have always enjoyed collaborating with Alizah over our many years as colleagues. Alizah is extremely smart, dynamic, perceptive, devoted, and kind-hearted. I wholeheartedly trust and highly recommend Alizah as a highly skilled and wonderful clinician."
Anastasia Nevin MS, RDN, CEDRD-C, SEP
Nutrition Therapy, Somatic Experiencing & Yoga
"I’ve worked with Alizah for over ten years. She’s thoughtful, empathic, and skilled - you couldn’t ask for a better clinician!"
Mittsi Crossman, MD, CEDS-C
ABPN Board Certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant
"When I need help with a tough case, I call Alizah. I’ve known her, and her work, for over a decade, and I can always count on her to approach every situation with compassion, nuance, and sharp clinical insights. She’s the real deal."
Eugenio A. Duarte, PhD
Psychoanalyst
"AKL therapy is a trusted referral source for clients seeking a warm, collaborative, and experienced therapist. Alizah Lowell, LCSW is a seasoned therapist and well-respected expert in the eating disorder field. In addition to her astute clinical skills, Alizah has hired an all-star team at AKL therapy and personally ensures clients receive the highest level of care."
Alexis Conason, PsyD, CEDS-C
Licensed Psychologist, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist-Consultant
"I have collaborated on several cases with Alizah Lowell over the years. She is an incredibly skilled, compassionate, warm, and empathetic clinician. I truly enjoy sharing cases with Alizah as she is extremely collaborative and has an astute clinical judgment. Her commitment to interdisciplinary communication demonstrates how deeply she cares about her clients."
Lisa Mikus, RD, CNSC, CDN
Licensed Registered Dietician and Eating Disorder Specialist