Alissa Godlewski

(she/her)

LCSW, 10 years of experience
No reviews yet

New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

About me

I’m a licensed clinical social worker offering virtual therapy for teens 16+ and adults who want to understand themselves more deeply and grow into their best selves. My practice is grounded in trauma‑informed care, emotional safety, and practical tools that help clients navigate anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I believe therapy should feel like a supportive conversation where you can slow down, breathe, and explore what’s happening beneath the surface without judgment or pressure. Many of my clients come to me during moments of change such as starting college, shifting relationships, navigating identity, or trying to break patterns or generational trauma. Together, we look at what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to be strengthened so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. I use a blend of evidence‑based approaches, creative strategies, and real‑world skill building to help you understand your emotions, communicate more effectively, and create healthier boundaries. My style is warm, collaborative, and down‑to‑earth. I’m not here to “fix” you!! I’m here to help you reconnect with the parts of yourself that already know how to grow. Therapy with me is a space where you can be honest, explore new perspectives, and learn tools that support long‑term change. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, burnout, relationship concerns, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, we’ll work together to help you become the version of yourself you’ve been trying to reach.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Many clients begin therapy without knowing exactly what to expect, and that is completely normal. Starting therapy for the first time can feel uncertain, intimidating, or even a little confusing. My goal is to make the process feel calm, clear, and supportive from the very first session. I want clients to feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are, without needing to prepare a perfect story or know the right words. Therapy is a place where you can explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace. During our first session, we spend time getting to know each other. I ask questions about what brought you here, what you hope to understand, and what feels heavy or confusing in your life. You are welcome to share as much or as little as you want. There is no pressure to open up quickly. Many clients appreciate that the first session is simply a conversation that helps them feel grounded and supported. As therapy continues, we work together to understand your patterns, your emotions, and the experiences that shape how you move through the world. I offer guidance, reflection, and practical tools, but I also listen closely so you can learn more about yourself. Some sessions focus on insight. Others focus on skills. Some are simply a space to breathe and process what is happening in your life. Clients often discover that therapy is not about being judged or fixed. It is about having a steady place to explore who you are becoming. My role is to help you feel safe, understood, and capable as you move toward your best self. Starting therapy for the first time is a brave step, and I am here to make that step feel supported.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I focus on creating a space where clients feel genuinely seen, supported, and understood. Therapy works best when it feels like a real relationship rather than a scripted process. I take time to learn how each client communicates, what helps them feel safe, and what allows them to open up without pressure. This creates a foundation where meaningful change can happen at a pace that feels right. I use a blend of trauma informed care, practical skill building, and reflective conversation. Many clients appreciate that I do not rely on one rigid method. Some sessions focus on grounding and emotional regulation. Others center on communication skills, boundary setting, or exploring patterns that keep them stuck. I value flexibility because it allows clients to grow in ways that feel authentic rather than forced. We will use different types of expression in session such as writing, music, and art! We will work with types of expression that feel best for you. My approach also stands out because I work with clients sixteen and older who are navigating complex transitions. These years often bring questions about identity, relationships, independence, and self worth. I help clients understand the deeper layers of these experiences and support them in building confidence, clarity, and resilience. I offer a calm, steady presence that helps clients feel comfortable exploring difficult emotions and discovering new perspectives. I believe therapy should help people become their best self, not a version shaped by fear or expectation. I focus on strengths, insight, and practical tools that clients can use outside of sessions. My goal is to help people feel more grounded, more capable, and more connected to who they want to be. This combination of warmth, adaptability, and real world skill building is what makes my approach unique.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work with teens and adults who are trying to understand themselves more fully and move toward a life that feels steady, meaningful, and aligned with who they want to become. Many of my clients arrive feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They often carry a mix of stress, self doubt, and emotional fatigue that makes it hard to feel confident or connected. Some are navigating school pressure, relationship changes, or the transition into adulthood. Others are trying to heal from past experiences that still shape how they think, feel, and respond in the present. My clients tend to be thoughtful, reflective, and aware that something in their life needs to shift. They want clarity, direction, and a space where they can speak openly without fear of judgment. They are often searching for a deeper understanding of their emotions, their relationships, and the stories they have been carrying for years. Many want to strengthen communication, set healthier boundaries, and learn how to respond to stress with more confidence and less fear. They are ready to explore the patterns that keep them stuck and to build skills that help them feel more grounded and capable. The people I work with are not looking for quick fixes. They want real change that comes from insight, practice, and support. They want a therapist who listens closely, offers practical tools, and helps them grow into their best self at a pace that feels safe and sustainable. My niche centers on clients who are ready to understand themselves more deeply, heal what has been heavy, and move forward with greater resilience, confidence, and self trust.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

Self Esteem

Identifies as

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Person-centered (Rogerian)

Person centered therapy guides the way I show up with every client. I focus on creating a space where teens and adults feel safe, respected, and understood. Instead of directing the session or pushing a specific agenda, I follow the client’s pace and needs. I listen closely, reflect what I hear, and help clients explore their thoughts and emotions with curiosity rather than judgment. This approach allows clients to feel ownership of their growth. They decide what feels important, what they want to understand, and what goals matter most. I offer support, insight, and practical tools, but the client’s voice leads the work. Over time, this builds confidence, trust, and a stronger sense of self. Person centered therapy helps clients reconnect with their strengths, deepen self awareness, and move toward their best self in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.