Alyssa Shapiro M.S., MSW

I recognize that it takes courage to open up about deeply personal thoughts, emotions, and experiences, especially those that may feel taboo or shameful. That is why I work tirelessly to co-create therapeutic relationships with clients where they can feel safe to explore and express themselves fully, knowing that they will be met with empathy, acceptance, and support every step of the way. Acknowledging the intricate layers of the human experience, I approach each person with genuine compassion and profound respect for their individual narrative. Whether it’s thoughts they perceive as unacceptable, dreams they’ve kept to themselves, or behavioral patterns they feel stuck in and blame themselves for, I believe it is imperative to provide a space where clients can explore these aspects of themselves openly and without reservation. I firmly hold that a robust relationship between myself and the client serves as the catalyst for transformation in therapy. This attachment grants us the freedom to delve into exploration with a spirit of curiosity, free from the constraints of judgment.

By creating an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance, I aim to empower clients to delve into the depths of their psyche, explore their innermost thoughts and feelings, and uncover insights that can lead to profound personal growth and healing. Central to my approach is the conviction that insight lays the groundwork for choice and eventual change. That being said, my therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in understanding human behavior from both external and internal perspectives. I use multiple lenses simultaneously to explore the social contexts of gender, age, race, ability, culture, class, body, religion, and sexual orientation, alongside considering the biological influences of brain chemistry and genes. I believe that individuals cannot be separated from the world around them, and it is essential to acknowledge and address the complexities of their external and internal realities.

As a student who studied in a dual-orientation Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program, I remain open to different approaches to intervention. I view different theoretical orientations to treatment as complementary languages and mindsets with which to approach human suffering, adapting interventions based on each client’s unique needs, capacity, risk level, personality, motivation, and interests. I do not see therapy as one size fits all, and I view every relationship as unique. As such, my work with one client may look vastly different from my work with another. What remains constant is my devotion to understanding the intricacies of each person as best as I can.

Overall, my orientation is characterized by curiosity, openness, and a deep appreciation for the complexity of human experience. I strive to understand and hold the stories of my clients with empathy and humility, recognizing the interplay between my own identities and the therapeutic process. By integrating multiple perspectives and remaining critical and reflective, I aim to foster meaningful change and promote holistic well-being in those I work with. Through fostering a relationship free from judgment, I believe that clients can truly explore and understand themselves on a deeper level. This exploration can lead to greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and ultimately, positive change. My goal is to empower clients to embrace their authentic selves, overcome obstacles, and live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.