
Alyssa
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Type 73 endorsement.
As a retired Division 1 athlete, I understand what it takes to perform under pressure, manage stress, and overcome physical and mental barriers. I partner along with you on your journey of healing. My practice is deeply rooted in connection, compassion, and being real. Utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), we work together to identify and validate your experiences, understand how to work with them, and aim at improving your day-to-day, sometimes moment to moment, outcomes.
I can incorporate visualization, mindfulness, and coping strategies to help you understand your body-mind connection and work towards achieving your goals. Whether you are preparing to perform under stress or learning to manage life changes, my hope is to help you grow, learn, and heal.
I am here for you, aligning with where you are and what you need.
HI THERE, I'M

working with me is like...
I show up for you with energy, kindness, and compassion. I believe in deep connections, where building a relationship is the foundation needed to build common understanding and respect. I will help you root down so you can grow and learn. During our sessions, I will consider your experiences, past and present, to understand you as a whole being. I will work towards helping you identify your emotions, validate your feelings, and learn how to apply skills to improve your experiences. We can work towards developing assertive communication to improve your relationships (personal and professional), boundaries, and overall wellness. Focusing on improving your overall mood, daily experiences, and self-identity.
For the athletes, past and present, I will help you understand the connection between your body and mind. Focusing on skills to calm your nervous system, strengthen your mental game, and improve your physical performance. We will work towards embracing unsuccessful attempts, building confidence, focus, and visualization. I believe my personal experience as an athlete will allow for authentic conversations with deep topics and strong understanding, not only about your sport or game, but about your everyday human experiences.
my background
I received my Master's in Social Work from Aurora University with an emphasis on clinical work. I completed an internship at both the Dupage County Health Department and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health Hospital. These experiences equipped me to work with adolescents, families, and adults. I work with stress related to life changes, relationships, and careers, anxiety, depression, and sports performance. I have professional training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.
Shortly into my career, I returned to school to get my school social work endorsement and studied to complete my LCSW. I have been working as a school social worker for 10 years, from early childhood to high school. Aiming towards breaking down barriers to enhance students educational experiences and advocate for mental health services within schools and communities.