New to Grow
Hello! My name is Alyssa, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I completed my professional training at The University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. I am passionate about providing client-centered therapy. I use evidence-based modalities rooted in mindfulness to support clients in creating a life worth living. I am not a provider that will tell you how to live your life. I believe you have what you need to make change, and I see myself as a collaborator in uncovering values and motivations to move closer to your center, your "best possible self." I am skilled in encouraging action steps and accountability to support expressed desire for change.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I leave the first session open-ended to allow you to freely share what has brought you to therapy at this time in your life. I love the questions "why now?" and "what kind of support are you looking for?"
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I am skilled in coaching clients through changing their relationship with their thoughts. We can notice our thoughts without acting on them. I love seeing clients grow in self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-identity through the development of emotion regulation skills and clarity about wants and needs.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I specialize in working with clients who have experienced depression and anxiety from a young age. I work well with clients who find comfort in whatever "x" may be: substances, eating disorder behaviors, relationships, shopping, isolation. I interestingly find that I connect really well with clients who are also animal lovers. I love seeing pets on screen! I enjoy working with clients who feel emotions deeply and see therapy as a space dedicated to their self-reflection and improvement.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support clients who struggle with ruminating thoughts. I support clients through mindfulness-based exercises that encourage practicing curiosity towards thoughts and taking action based on values.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT with clients who experience overwhelming emotions. Clients who can benefit from DBT often describe the process of being "hijacked by their emotions." I use behavior chains to track patterns of behavior, coping skills such as temperature change and distraction, and exercises to better get needs met in relationships.
Motivational Interviewing
I am a Motivational Interviewing trainer, specializing in the treatment of substance abuse through exploring ambivalence and identifying a client's own reasons for change.
EMDR
I utilize EMDR with clients who have specific, concrete memories of traumatic memories that are continuing to cause emotional, mental, and physical distress.