Hi, I'm Alysha! I specialize in working with survivors of sexual trauma, individuals navigating expected and unexpected life transitions, and anxious perfectionists aiming to embrace a more compassionate approach to living. I help clients find ways to create a life that isn't ruled by past experiences, fears, and anxieties, and that reflects their values and honors their needs and hopes. My approach is collaborative, holistic and integrative. I blend traditional talk therapy with somatic therapy, exploring how our lived experiences are held, particularly in the aftermath of trauma. Our sessions move at your pace to ensure you feel grounded and supported as we build trust in our relationship.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session, the focus is on ensuring that you feel comfortable. We’ll start by taking a moment to get settled into our space. This might mean simply taking a moment to be present, engaging in a body scan, a breathing exercise, or something entirely different based on your needs. I'll remind you that our sessions are conversations, not interviews. We’ll review logistics - confidentiality, what to expect and policies. Next, we'll explore your concerns, strengths, challenges, hopes and what you would like to be different after therapy. I’ll ask you questions to learn more about you and your experiences. There is no pressure to “get it all out” in the first session, and I’ll encourage you to take your time. I’ll listen to gain an understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. We’ll talk about any patterns we notice and how they might be affecting you. At the close of our session, we’ll check in to see how you’re feeling, create a plan for the week ahead, and identify care practices that are supportive to you throughout the week. Similar to the beginning of our session, we’ll end with an intentional moment of pause before we log off. This is a brief overview of how sessions typically run; however, we will customize our session structure to meet your needs.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My biggest strength is my deep belief in people's capacity for change, growth and healing. It guides everything I do both in and out of the therapy room.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My clients are ready to address the lingering impact of sexual trauma on their life, interrupt their tendency towards perfectionism, and replace self-criticism with self-compassion. They tend to be seen as the “strong ones” within their family and social circles. Despite their outward appearance of success, many of my clients grapple internally with intense anxiety, self-doubt, and a relentless inner critic who undermines their confidence in themselves and their decisions. My clients live at the intersections of various social identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, ability and socioeconomic status. We explore the complexities of these experiences and the impact of systemic biases, institutional injustices and social inequities on mental well-being. My clients are encouraged to bring all parts of themselves to therapy. Choosing to start therapy can represent a significant step towards carving out the space to truly pause, recognize, and address your deeper needs and hopes. People I work with tend to emerge from therapy with new insights, behaviors and practical tools to stay centered and grounded as they navigate life’s ongoing joys and complexities.