MENUAlyssia Haymond, LMHC/Clinical Director
Alyssia Haymond’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)
It takes courage to give yourself permission to seek help. It can get better and you are worthy of better. Bravo for taking this step!
I invite you to show up as you are, regardless of how “unworthy” or “damaged” you may feel. During our work together, I will advocate for self-compassion as a mechanism by which to improve the relationship you hold with yourself. I will sit with you in your pain and make space for your vulnerability. The healing process is not always easy. Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to support you through it.
I deeply value the relationships I build with my clients. It can be difficult to trust a new person and I will work to ensure that I am someone you feel safe with. It is a privilege for me to learn another person’s story and I try to never lose sight of that. As appropriate, I will utilize humor and authenticity in session for purposes of building our relationship together.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington and I received my graduate training from Indiana State University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I am trained in EMDR and will use this approach as appropriate. All of my work is trauma-informed and I will work with you to identify how you might be impacted by oppressive systems. I will draw from several approaches to support my clients, such as feminist theories, strengths-based approaches, CBT interventions, relational-cultural theory, and narrative therapy practices. Much of my experience to date has been working with individuals who have experienced trauma, including sexual abuse/assault and dating violence.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner and my pets (one cat, one dog, and so many plants!), drinking coffee, going to thrift stores, listening to podcasts, watching live music, and being outdoors.
Specialties and areas of focus
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Trauma
- Sexual Assault
- Women’s Issues
- LGBTQI
- Identity Concerns
- Multicultural Concerns
- Body-Image
- Anxiety/Stress
- Depression
- Couples
Q&A with Alyssia
1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?
My approach is collaborative in nature and I’m open to addressing what feels most pertinent to you. Generally speaking, I’ve found that finding ways to cope with the problem at hand first, and then exploring deeper rooted issues later, tends to be most effective for most people.
2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?
I believe the therapy office is meant for you and you should be able to take the lead. If there is a time where it would feel more appropriate for me to take the lead, I typically like to ask permission first before doing so. I believe that you are the expert on yourself and inherently possess the strengths necessary for healing.
If you would feel more comfortable with me leading our sessions, I’m open to discussing this with you. Ultimately, finding a way to make the therapy space as safe and as effective as possible is my number one priority.
3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?
I take the relationships I develop with my clients very seriously. I believe that it is a privilege for me to learn your story and I try to never lose sight of that. I focus on learning who you are as a person, how your experiences have impacted you, and what this means for you in the present. As appropriate, I also believe in utilizing humor in therapy because I think this can positively contribute to building relationships.
4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?
What a difficult question! My initial gut reaction is “flying” because how cool would that be? When I thought more critically about this question though, I think I’d prefer superhuman intelligence or the ability to speak any language in a moment’s notice!
5.) What makes you laugh?
Too many things to list! I very much enjoy standup comedy, creating hypothetical humorous scenarios with my friends, and of course, cat videos.
6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?
I would have dinner with a couple of really awesome family members who have passed away. I would also invite my partner, who happens to be my favorite person to share dinner with.
Outside of family, I might also send an invite to an activist (such as Angela Davis), a philosopher (such as Simone de Beauvoir), and an influential therapist (such as Irvin Yalom).
