Graduate-Level Intern
Pronouns: She/Her

Alyssa is a student at the University of Alaska Anchorage completing her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and obtaining a certificate in Children’s Mental Health. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Services. During her undergraduate studies, Alyssa worked as a Child and Youth Advocate at a domestic violence shelter where she addressed the specialized needs of children and youth survivors of domestic violence and child abuse. 

Alyssa was honored by the opportunity to be a student clinician working for UAA’s Psychological Services Center. In this community clinic she gained supervised experience in the process of individual psychotherapy with a particular focus placed on cultural diversity.  As a student clinician, she broadened her foundational clinical skills and increased her passion for building meaningful therapeutic relationships with her clients, collaborating with them to identify treatment goals and working on evidence-based treatment plans. Alyssa is a dedicated and inspired student who enjoys learning from her supervisors and participating in a team-based approach to mental health care. She is excited to continue her education at Coastal Wellness & Counseling because of the clinic's focus on family systems and professional growth.

Alyssa uses a variety of empirically supported interventions in her psychotherapeutic approach  including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), written exposure therapy for PTSD, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy. She believes that there is not a one size fits all model for psychotherapy and having a wide variety of practiced interventions is the best way to help her clients. 

In her experience as a clinician, Alyssa has developed a passion for working with individuals struggling with anxiety and persistent stress. Based on the core principles of CBT, Alyssa helps clients connect how their thinking patterns contribute to their anxiety. She works with her clients on improving coping strategies and alternative ways of thinking to reduce anxious thoughts. She aims to support her clients in uncovering their core beliefs, gaining deeper self-awareness, and understanding the impact of their thoughts on their experience. Alyssa hopes to help her clients feel empowered, resilient, and in control of their emotional well-being.

Alyssa is in the process of completing her masters degree and will be graduating in May of 2026. She will then continue her journey to full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.