About Alissa
My background as a health educator, mountain guide, and birth doula led me to become a therapist, where I continue to enjoy walking alongside people through various thresholds and seasons of life.
Professional Highlights:
Certified Matrescence Educator, The Village Matrescence Educator Certification Program with Jessie Harrold
Working toward Certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C)
Master’s in Counseling Psychology, The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology
Trained in the specific areas of trauma and abuse, psychodynamic psychotherapy, attachment theory, and object relations theory.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (#LH60901996) in WA State
Member of Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA), Northwest Behavioral Health IPA, and Perinatal Support Washington (PS-WA)
Licensed Be Body Positive Facilitator, The Body Positive Institute
Birth Doula Training, The Simkin Center at Bastyr University
If you’re thinking about working with me, here are some things to know.
I hold space.
Like Mary Oliver says, I believe my work is to pay attention. With a practice of patience and presence, I offer a place for you to come as you are without judgement. I aim to offer compassion and to help you do the same with yourself. Sometimes we may encounter silence in our time together and we can explore what this brings up.
I am curious.
As a 9 on the Enneagram, I am someone who tries to see all sides to situations and people. I seek to understand by asking questions, which often leads to greater empathy and acceptance. I also like to grapple with those questions that don’t seem to have simple answers, with no rush to find them.
I am a seeker.
In all aspects of my life, what brings me the most satisfaction is finding a sense of connection with people, nature, and beauty. I believe that we all want to feel connected — with ourselves, others, and perhaps something greater. I like to invite moments of pause to find that sense of connectedness. For those who are also seeking, I love to explore aspects of spirituality and faith.
When I am not working with clients, I am a mother of two, married to a musician, loving the outdoors, making things out of clay, whipping up meals with love, and doing what I can to live a slow and meaningful (*and imperfect) life.