Hello, My name is Alyssa. I believe it is important to meet the client where they currently are to develop a strong therapeutic relationship. I strive to provide a warm and nurturing environment. I believe it is important to provide evidence-based approaches while providing appropriate psychoeducation so clients understand why they are learning these tools. You deserve to feel accepted with where you are right now. I believe in setting small, realistic goals to build self-confidence and help you feel more in control. Taking the first step to improve your overall functioning takes courage. I am here to support and empower you on your journey to healing.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I feel it is important to set short and long-term goals, while also focusing on the here and now. I tend to ask clients what they feel they need for their session, whether it be solution-focused or focusing on processing current emotions. I believe both of these techniques can be helpful to the client, depending on where they are at in their healing journey. I believe the client is the expert of themselves, and honor that throughout sessions.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
My background is in art therapy, and I often utilize art therapy techniques with my clients. I do believe visual expression can give a voice to the individual that they may not be able to communicate directly. With art therapy, I believe the process of art making is often more important than the final product. The use of art therapy can foster healing within the individual and is an alternative to traditional talk therapy. Aside from utilizing art therapy techniques with clients, I use an integrative approach, primarily utilizing Adlerian, CBT, and DBT, while adapting to the unique needs of the client to help overcome obstacles and to facilitate change. I am a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (D-CBT) therapist.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have specific knowledge and experience working with individuals struggling with behavior and stress management, developmental disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and trauma-related disorders. I worked within a school cooperation for over 5 years, creating behavior plans and providing individual and group therapy. I have worked primarily with children, adolescents, and young adults; however, I have worked with adults of all ages during my work within a private practice.