Professional Philosophy and Clinical Approach
My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you don’t have to have everything figured out. Together, we’ll slow down, explore what’s bringing you here, and work toward building a life that feels more authentic and aligned with what matters most to you.
My approach is collaborative and eclectic. I primarily draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques. In practice, that might look like identifying the unhelpful thought patterns that keep you feeling stuck, learning to question the stories anxiety or self-doubt tell you, and developing a healthier relationship with difficult emotions. Rather than fighting, judging, or avoiding your emotions, we’ll practice approaching them with curiosity, understanding what they may be trying to communicate, and learning how to respond in ways that align with your values instead of reacting out of fear or shame.
One of the most important things I want clients to know is that I don’t see my role as giving advice or telling you what to do. I see therapy as something we do together. You’re the one holding the map of your life, and my role is to help you read it more clearly, explore paths you may not have considered, and support you as you decide which direction feels right for you. Together, we’ll develop goals that reflect what you want from therapy, and we’ll use those goals as a guide to recognize growth along the way. While our sessions are an important part of the process, meaningful change also happens between sessions through reflection, practicing new skills, and taking small, intentional steps toward the life you want to create.
While I work with a variety of concerns, I especially enjoy supporting women as they navigate life’s many transitions. Whether you’re adjusting to a new stage of adulthood, balancing relationships, career changes, motherhood, identity shifts, or learning to prioritize yourself after years of putting others first, therapy can be a place to reconnect with who you are and where you want to go. I also work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief and loss, PTSD, relationship concerns, and self-esteem challenges.
Education and Background
I earned my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University. Before becoming a counselor, I spent nearly a decade in business management and corporate leadership roles, experiences that continue to shape my understanding of workplace stress, career transitions, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!).
Behind the Therapist
- I’m a new mom and have been embracing all the joy and unpredictability that comes with this new season of life.
- I love reading (especially thrillers and fantasy, but I’m always open to new recommendations!).
- You’ll often find me crocheting, testing out new recipes, and trying to keep my house plants alive.
- My husband and I share our home with two cats, Sabrina and Felix, and one dog, Kobe. We have come to accept that it’s their world, and we’re just living in it.
To schedule an appointment with me, my contact info is: alyssa@freespiritonline.org or 757-551-0322.
**SPECIAL NOTE Resident Sessions: As a Licensed Resident in Counseling, I am in-network with the following commercial/Medicare plans: Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, and Sentara Health Plans and the following Medicaid Plans: Aetna Better Health, Anthem Healthkeepers+, Humana Healthy Horizons, Sentara Community Plan, and United Healthcare Community Plan. I am also able to see those not on these insurances for a sliding scale, negotiable fee.
I work directly under the supervision of Clinical Director Dr. Jill Nardin; 757-204-1866 and jill@freespiritonline.org.