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 - a relational, trauma, and holistic therapist serving clients in New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, and Maryland. I specialize in working 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. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone - and you don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode!
Please know I don’t believe in “fixing” or a “one-size-fits-all-approach!” I’m here to actually see you - to help you untangle the people pleasing patterns, perfectionism, trauma, and anxiety that keeps you stuck. My approach is relational, holistic, and compassionate. That means my work is grounded in a real relationship between us, authenticity, personalized strategies, and 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’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 intensive programs, and writing about this work - which is why I offer so many different services! It keeps me fulfilled and nourished.
In terms of my therapeutic approach, I integrate a mix of supportive approaches depending on what you need. I find that every client needs something different whether that’s regular 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 bring in what you’re asking for or what may be recommended for what you are working on!
We’ll move at a pace that feels safe, working together to build more self-trust, clarity, and ease. Therapy will also feel fun at times - its not just about the painful stuff, 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 therapy regardless of modalities and practices! If any of this aligns for you, I look forward to getting to know you!
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.
Outside the therapy room, I prioritize my own self-care so I can show up fully for my clients. I LOVE lifting weights, cooking vegetarian meals, journaling, matchas in cute flower cafes, and hiking in the mountains whenever I get a can get a break from NYC.
I have a regular hot yoga, breathwork, and mindful self-compassion practice myself - and truly believe (or at least try) in practicing what I teach.
I also have a background in singing and piano, and I find so much joy in live music and Broadway shows. Creativity, movement, and intentional rest all play a huge role in how I stay grounded, present, and connected to myself.
please Hear me when I say:
You did the best you could with what you had! Now you’re ready to do it differently.
Please know that your patterns make sense, your coping skills were protective, and healing IS possible even if it felt out of reach before!
How I work
At the core of my approach to therapy is a belief that healing happens in safe, attuned relationships - starting with the one we build together.
I believe you don’t need to be “fixed” - you need to feel seen, supported, and reconnected to the parts of yourself you’ve had to quiet in order to survive. My work is grounded in trauma-informed care, attachment theory, somatic practices, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindful self-compassion.
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, so I integrate a range of the above practices to meet your unique needs - but at the core, I’m still doing talk therapy. These tools simply support the process when it feels helpful and aligned.
Please know this will be a two way conversation where I also participate, not just nod along or stare at you! That doesn’t always feel good. I like to just show up genuinely and I’ll share my insights and feedback too! If you want, I will also bring in practices, exercises, feedback, and strategies. We will set intentions together and make sure we are meeting your needs and goals you first came in with. I also want to make sure we have fun together and often focus on whats going right and well - through humor and authenticity! I love to laugh with my clients, I believe that’s the core of human connection, which is ultimately what therapy is.
Together, we will explore your past without getting stuck in it, so you can make sense of your patterns, feel more regulated, and start living in alignment with your true self. I try my best to create a space where you don’t have to perform, shrink, or carry it all alone! I look forward to connecting with you!
Therapy with me is…
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I don’t believe in a one-size-fits all approach. We’ll tailor to your unique needs, goals, and pace - whether you’re craving structure and strategies, a space to explore, or a mix of both. Learn more.
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This isn’t a blank stare and notepad. I bring my full, grounded human presence into the room with you. We’ll build a relationship rooted in trust, safety, and mutual respect - because healing happens in connection, not isolation. Learn more.
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We don’t just talk about your feelings - we explore how they live in your body. Whether through somatic practices, mindfulness skills, or EMDR, we’ll gently work with your nervous system to create deeper, lasting change. Learn more.
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You are not broken. Your patterns are adaptations. Therapy with me helps you understand those patterns with compassion - so you can begin to trust yourself, advocate for your needs, and live more authentically.
specializing in:
People Pleasing, Codependency, & Perfectionism
My Training & Education
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in NY, NJ, DC, and MD (Licensed in NY (#093839), NJ (#44SC06281300), Washington DC (#LC200003326) and MD (#23919).
Masters of Social Work (MSW) from New York University (NYU), BA in Psychology from Rutgers University
Previous jobs in Partial and Intensive Outpatient Programs (PHP/IOP) & Group Private Practice as an individual therapist, group therapist, clinical coach, and clinical supervisor
Currently also a Clinical Supervisor to other therapists at Bhava Therapy Group
Trained in
EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing - EMDRIA approved)
Somatic Embodiment
Mindful Self Compassion & Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
DBT skills (from Behavioral Tech)
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
Trauma Treatment Certification Course: Clients with Complex Trauma
Extensive experience in running and creating support groups for over 8 years
I’m also here to help with…
ADHD
Codependency
People Pleasing
Perfectionism
Disordered Eating Patterns
Alcohol Use & Sober Curiosity
Trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD
Anxiety & Overwhelm
Depression & Burn Out
Relationship Difficulties
Big Life Changes & Stressors
Self-Esteem
Your needs matter too.
Your needs matter, too!
If any of this resonates, I share monthly(ish) reflections, tools, journal prompts and therapy resources through my newsletter - you’re always welcome to join! Feel free to email me back with your thoughts!