I have several years of experience as a therapist working with people of all ages, different cultural backgrounds, and a multitude of life experiences. I am most experienced in working with those struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am proud to be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, and have supported many individuals through various kinds of life transitions and stressors. I have received training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS), and am particularly passionate about working with people during the pregnancy and postpartum period of life as they navigate the variety of challenges that accompany pregnancy and parenthood. My own lived experience of being a person in today’s world, a parent, and a client in therapy at different times in my life has afforded me the valuable knowledge of what it’s like to learn to trust and open up to a therapist. I consider it a tremendous privilege to have the opportunity to meet you and get to know you as we embark on your journey together towards accomplishing your therapy goals!

How Can I Help You?
It can be quite a challenge to acknowledge when we truly need help. Sometimes, we realize we need support because of how we’re feeling, and other times we notice that our behavior is different than it used to be. Other times, we don’t notice anything is wrong at all until someone we know or love points it out to us. Therapy can be hugely beneficial in helping to explore and learn more deeply about ourselves, and how we relate to the world around us.

I take what is called a person-centered approach to therapy, which means that I consider you to be the expert in your life. I see myself as a guide whose role is to help you identify and accomplish your treatment goals by developing a strong, authentic relationship with you as your therapist, teaching you different skills, and working collaboratively with you to make progress towards feeling better. I strive to maintain humility in the work I do, and am eager to learn about and understand the ways in which my own cultural background and experiences impact our relationship. I use various evidence-based approaches as a therapist, and do my best to tailor my approach to fit your unique needs at the time we work together. Some of these approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy.

My Philosophy on Mental Health:
I believe therapy can be a hugely transformative process of self-discovery and change when you are ready to fully engage in the process. It can also be extremely challenging, and even painful at times, to truly allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to open up in therapy. If you’re open to it, I want to help you understand the function of whatever behaviors or ways of thinking you are hoping to change, and what purpose they served you at the time in your life when they developed. I believe it is critically important to approach this understanding from a place of curiosity and not judgment, and I’ll likely remind you of this throughout our work together! Once we’ve established our understanding of how you came to be where you are today, I want to help you decide where you want to go next, and look forward to helping you along the way!

More About Me…
I have four babies – two young children and two adult cats! I love rock climbing and hiking, and listening to music while riding my bike. A critical piece of my personal self care is always having a camping trip planned with friends and family!

Fun Fact!
I’m a big fan of baseball. Go Dodgers!

Scheduling Information:
Alyssa provides both in person and virtual sessions. She is in network with Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Kaiser, Lyra and Tricare.