Hey, I am Alyssa. Are you looking for someone to help guide you through some life and behavioral changes that have been a struggle? Do you notice difficulty managing moods, communicating effectively with others, and/or giving yourself compassion? I am excited and ready to travel that journey with you and offer a nonjudgemental, safe environment, to build a real therapeutic relationship. I use evidence-based interventions within a dialectical behavior therapy approach that incorporates mindfulness skills and love and kindness. I center my practice around the belief that we are a team and need each other to achieve your goals, as you are the specialist on you, and I am the specialist on the skills. It can be scary reaching out for help, and I have a safe space for you to start! If you are struggling with a life event, daily stress, depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation, or impulsivity there is hope. You do not need to feel stuck or alone in the struggle anymore! I look forward to working together.

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

In the first session clients can expect to focus on building rapport with each other. My main focus on learning more about the client personally and the client is welcome to ask me questions as well. In DBT we see the therapeutic relationship as a relationship between equals. I do try to address goals the first session however if we do not make it to goals, that can be addressed in the next session.

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

I have a specialty in mood dysregulation which includes personality disorders, depression, anxiety, and anger management. I have specialized training working with clients that may present with symptoms such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, ineffective communication with others, trouble managing emotions, and self-loathing. My background in behavioral approaches is an evidenced-based treatment for avoidance behaviors and therefore I have a strength in helping people minimize avoidance. I have some experience with the LGBTQ community, however no specific training. I do have some training and a little background in the struggle of eating disorders.

About Alyssa Knauber