Alyssa Maria Clinical Counsellor (MA, RCC)

Meet Alyssa (she/her)

PTSD • Substance Use • Complex Mental Health • Domestic Violence • Couples & Family Counselling

Alyssa is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who works with youth (16+) and adults navigating the impact of trauma, addiction, and complex mental health concerns. She brings a direct, grounded presence to the therapy room and creates a safe, welcoming environment for people to explore painful experiences without fear of judgment.

With both professional training and lived experience of addiction and recovery, Alyssa understands what it means to face adversity from the inside. Her work is honest, collaborative, and focused on helping clients reclaim their sense of agency.

Who Alyssa Works With

• Adults: Alyssa supports adults navigating PTSD, substance use, anxiety, stress, and the long-term impact of trauma. Many of her clients carry experiences of systemic oppression, marginalization, or adversity. Alyssa helps them develop personalized, sustainable strategies for recovery and growth.

• Youth (16+): Alyssa works with youth ages 16 and up who are struggling with emotional regulation, family conflict, substances, trauma history, or mental health challenges. She offers a steady, relatable presence and creates space for young people to process difficult emotions and begin to build self-trust.

• Couples: She helps couples dealing with communication issues, ruptured trust, or the ripple effects of trauma and addiction. Alyssa brings clarity, structure, and emotional insight to sessions so both partners feel heard and supported in the work.

• Families: Alyssa supports families in navigating high-conflict dynamics, boundary issues, or the impact of addiction and trauma. Her approach balances honesty with compassion, helping families understand each other’s perspectives and reconnect with intention.

Areas of Specialization

Alyssa has particular expertise in:

• Post-traumatic stress and complex trauma

• Substance use and recovery

• Domestic and sexual violence

• Stress, burnout, and emotional dysregulation

• Relationship strain and communication issues

• First Responders and Frontline workers

• Supporting clients impacted by systemic oppression or marginalization

Clients often describe Alyssa as direct, compassionate, and disarmingly real. She meets people where they are and walks with them toward clarity, empowerment, and change.

Approaches Used in Therapy

• Trauma-Informed Counselling to address the lasting effects of trauma with a focus on nervous system regulation, safety, and trust.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients explore and work with protective parts and access a grounded sense of self.

• Emotion-Focused and Attachment-Based Therapy to support emotional processing, relational repair, and greater connection to self and others.

• Narrative and Strengths-Based Therapy to help clients re-author their stories, honour survival strategies, and cultivate hope and agency.

• CBT and Psychoeducation to build practical skills for managing anxiety, stress, and overwhelming thoughts or emotions.

Alyssa’s approach is grounded in authenticity, collaboration, and a commitment to each person’s capacity for healing and growth.

What to Expect

Alyssa’s sessions are direct, compassionate, and paced to honour your capacity. She does not shy away from difficult truths but holds space for them with warmth and respect. You can expect to be met with curiosity, clarity, and strategies tailored to your life.

Whether you’re navigating trauma, recovery, or systemic oppression, Alyssa brings her full presence and lived understanding to the work. Together, you’ll explore what’s been hard, what’s helped you survive, and what’s possible next.

Online Therapy

Alyssa provides online counselling through a secure, easy-to-use video platform. This format makes therapy accessible for clients across British Columbia, including Surrey, Langley, Vancouver, and rural or remote communities.

Online therapy can be especially helpful for those navigating health concerns, caregiving responsibilities, limited mobility, or full schedules. Sessions are available for individuals, couples, and families seeking flexible, location-independent support.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re looking for a therapist who brings lived experience, clinical depth, and a direct, compassionate presence, Alyssa may be a good fit for you.

Book a Free 15-minute Consultation or complete our New Client Form to get started.