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My name is Alyssa Balasco. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. For my psychotherapy education, I earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. My mental health diagnostic assessment and psychotherapy experience includes outpatient, hospital, and residential settings. I also have professional experience in clinical research prior to transitioning my career to psychotherapy. I enjoy working with each psychotherapy client to create a strong therapeutic alliance that fosters non-judgmental exploration of each client’s individual circumstance. I am sometimes able to accommodate clients during hours that do not appear available on my calendar. Clients are welcome to ask me about this to see if we can arrange a time that better fits with their schedule. Please note, I do not specialize in suicidality at this time, provide letters for court/custody/ESA/service animals, or certify disability paperwork.
My approach
My theoretical approach is always client-centered and trauma-informed. I tailor each client's therapy to ensure an individualized and unique healing opportunity. I view each client with unconditional positive regard to foster a space where each client is free to explore their experiences and emotions without judgment.
My focus
I provide individual therapy to adults of all ages who experience depression, anxiety, trauma-related issues, relationship issues, life transitions, and attachment-related issues. Please note, I do not specialize in suicidality at this time, provide letters for court/custody/ESA/service animals, or certify disability paperwork.
My communication style
I facilitate a rapport that is professional yet down-to-earth. When appropriate, I include humor. I like to create a comfortable environment for clients to identify, process, and address their experiences, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
My journey to mental healthcare
For goal setting, I partner with each client thought person-centered approach. Everyone is at a different stage of change with each therapy goal due to their unique circumstances. I encourage clients to set the pace they are comfortable with for treatment goal progress.
My goals for you
The first psychotherapy session is more of an assessment than a therapy session. Assessments are necessary to devise a treatment plan and comprehensive understanding of each client. Assessments include questions about symptoms, therapy goals, strengths, social supports, social stressors, family, medical, work, school, mental health, childhood. Also during the first session, I facilitate "rapport building," which means we respectfully communicate and demonstrate our personalities to see if we are a good partnership for psychotherapy to continue. During the first session I provide informed consent regarding the particulars of psychotherapy and any questions clients may have. The second psychotherapy session typically entails more of what clients perceive psychotherapy to be, as it tends to focus more on client's treatment goals.
My first session with you
I became a therapist to "help people help themselves," as various life circumstances and experiences can affect our self-agency. I love what I do, so it truly never feels like "work."
