About Alyssa kushner, LCSW

I know finding the right therapist can be overwhelming - so I want to share a little about me and my approach!

Hi! I’m Alyssa and I love to work with adults who feel like they are “too much” and “not enough” all at once. The over-thinkers, the care-takers, the high-achievers with anxiety that are tired of being it all to everyone and doing it all for everyone.

Please know I don’t believe in the blank slate therapist approach and I’m not going to just stare and nod at you! I’m a therapist, but I’m also a human, and I show up as my authentic self and participate in the convo too. I’m here to actually see you and to help you untangle the people pleasing patterns, perfectionism, trauma, and anxiety that keeps you stuck. In addition to actively listening and validating you, I will reflect patterns back to you. I will offer feedback, guidance, and tools for making changes after we’ve identified the root cause of what’s going on. And, if you are open to it, I am happy to challenge you compassionately when needed.

All this means that my work is grounded in a real relationship between us and personalized strategies to support change. Therapy with me is a space to come as you are - without pressure, without performance, and without pretending you are okay - when you’re not.

I don’t believe in “fixing” or a “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to the type of therapy we use. I integrate a mix of supportive trauma-informed modalities depending on what you need. I find that every client ends up needing something a little different whether that’s keeping to regular insight oriented talk therapy, EMDR to help reprocess whats keeping you stuck, somatic work to reconnect with your body, or mindfulness and self-compassion practices to quiet your inner critic and be present. So I will tailor it or recommend something based on what you are working on! Regardless - I will do my best to bring authenticity, depth, and intention to the work we do.

I’ve had the privilege of wearing many hats in this field - as a therapist, a clinical supervisor to other therapists, a group creator and facilitator, and a clinical coach. I’ve worked in intensive outpatient programs, PHPs, group practices, and private practice, and through it all, I’ve found a deep passion for the work I do! I love being a therapist, creating women’s support group communities, and helping other therapists grow into their calling. I also enjoy teaching therapeutic practices, building out therapy intensive programs, and writing about this work through blogging - which is why I offer so many different services! It keeps me fulfilled and nourished.

Whatever way we work together please expect to move at a pace that feels safe, working together to build more self-trust, clarity, and ease. This stuff should also feel fun at times - its not just about the painful traumatic memories, we will laugh together, celebrate your wins, and authentically just connect as humans. I value the actual connection between us because that’s the most important piece to support regardless of modalities and practices! If any of this aligns for you, I look forward to getting to know you more :)

A quick note on inclusivity:

I’m a proudly LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and welcome adults of all identities, expressions, races, religions, and backgrounds into my practice. I try my best to create a space where you’re free to be your full, authentic self here and acknowledge your experiences as part of the therapy.

*Due to my licensure, I can only see clients that live in New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, or Maryland