Hey! My name is Alyssa Thompson Tolosa, you can call me Alyssa. Is it just me, or does this online search for a therapist thing kinda feel a bit like online dating? You scroll through profiles, a picture catches your eye, and then you read all the best parts of them and wonder, "Will we be a match?" It's a highly vulnerable and uncertain experience. There are so many possible matches and way too many people to choose from. It's overwhelming, but I might just be the right therapist for you. I'm a licensed therapist in California with 10 years of experience. I am also a certified yoga and barre instructor and have been teaching for 8 years. I believe in your ability to manifest greatness, that you are worthy of all good things no matter what mistakes you've made in the past, and that you have a natural ability to heal any emotional wound. I believe that I am here to be your guide. I help people fully enjoy life by giving them the tools to confidently navigate life's low points and be more present during life's high points. I help people... - get out of their heads and into the present moment so they can experience joy and connection, instead of constantly worrying and being self-critical - learn how to say "NO" and stop allowing people to take advantage of them - identify and communicate their needs instead of keeping them bottled up and resenting people for not reading their mind - break the cycle of generational trauma so they can pass down ways of thinking, being, feeling, and behaving that lead to greater prosperity, joy, and fulfillment - learn practices that will give them greater control over their emotions so they feel less bothered.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session, I will introduce myself, we’ll have a brief discussion about confidentiality and then I’ll give you the floor to ask questions about me, my approach, my experience, and whatever else is on your mind about the progression of our work together. After that, I’ll introduce the concept of brave spaces and we'll discuss what you need from me to make this a brave space where you can show up authentically and vulnerably. Then we’ll talk about what has brought you to therapy at this time, your goals for therapy, as well as, your concerns, and expectations for therapy. The goal of the first session is to begin getting to know each other. I’m going to ask you a lot of questions about life's current challenges, joys, and past experiences. I’ll ask you to describe your childhood, your relationships with your caregivers, siblings, friends, community, and yourself. I’ll ask you to share large milestones and important memories. I’ll ask you about your current relationships, how you handle stress and other emotions, and other important details. I invite you to be as open as possible and to share what feels important. The conversation will flow naturally and won’t be pressured or interogational. You’re welcome to let me know if you’d like to shift the conversation or discuss something that we skimmed over more thoroughly. At the end of each session, I do my best to ask for feedback. To do meaningful work together, it’s important to create a space where you feel welcome to tell when something isn't working for you. If there is anything that needs adjusting, I would love to know so that I can have an opportunity to discuss it with you and make that correction moving forward.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

After 10 years as a therapist, I have learned to attentively listen to the client. I remain attuned to the client and offer the tools, strategies, and insights that will address the specific concern and help to change the perspectives. My clients often express gratitude for my warmth, openness, and ability to make them feel seen. They also comment on how my questions are thought-provoking and offer insights into their experience and their subconscious mind. I am excellent at explaining new and difficult concepts by using relatable metaphors and visuals. I am also skilled at simplifying tools and strategies so that my clients can implement them into their lives with greater ease and efficiency and see changes in their lives.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am skilled at helping people who... - label themselves an overachiever, a people pleaser, socially anxious, and conflict-avoidant - have poor boundaries, are afraid to express their emotions, and tend to keep people from getting too close - have a constant stream of negative self-talk - deal with life by numbing out, binge-watching Netflix, doom-scrolling all the socials, snacking, and other forms of avoidance - appear to have it all together and are suffering in silence - exhaust themselves by thinking about all the worst-case scenarios - fraught with worry, and feel as if their heart is going to beat out of their chest - are frequently on edge, but keep it all to themselves for fear of looking weak or out of control - feel antsy, and have thoughts that they are lazy and should be doing something when they try to take a break from the to-do list - feel exhausted and overstimulated, but can't help jamming their lives full of stuff and things I especially enjoy working with people who recognize that what they’re doing isn’t working, they are ready to receive support and are willing to do things differently to achieve the life they desire and deserve. About homework, I will request that you integrate what has been demonstrated or discussed in our sessions into your daily life. This might look like writing on a journal prompt, meditating, watching a clip from YouTube, practicing a tool, or approaching an aspect of life with new behaviors. I will provide you with the resources, instruction, preparation, or whatever else is required for you to feel good about completing the "integration work", as I like to call it. Therapy is helpful in many ways, but it's not magic. Like most other things, you get out of it what you put into it.

About Alyssa Thompson Tolosa