Alyssa Whiteaker, LICSW

Alyssa Whiteaker is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) based in Minnesota with six years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping people who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, grief, anger, or the impacts of trauma. Alyssa works with adults who want clearer boundaries, better communication, or practical strategies for daily life.

Her approach combines straightforward techniques with a warm, nonjudgmental presence. Sessions often look like listening to what matters most, naming patterns, and trying small changes that fit into real routines. She uses tools from cognitive behavioral approaches and acceptance-focused work to help clients manage distressing thoughts and feelings.

Alyssa also draws on client-centered principles and motivational interviewing to support people’s goals. That means the work starts with each person’s values and what they want to change. She pays attention to issues like ADHD, workplace stress, caregiver strain, and body image without making assumptions.

Many clients seek help for relational concerns such as communication problems, jealousy, and isolation. Alyssa helps people who want to build self-love, reduce guilt and shame, or process past hurts. Her style is collaborative and paced to each person’s needs.

To begin, Alyssa guides clients through practical steps and concrete coping strategies. The focus is on realistic progress rather than quick fixes, so people leave sessions with something to try between meetings.

How her therapeutic approaches guide online work

Alyssa uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice difficult thoughts and choose actions that match their values. This approach helps when avoidance or worry keeps someone from doing what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to identify unhelpful thinking and try practical experiments to shift patterns. CBT can be helpful for anxiety, workplace stress, and managing mood.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Alyssa will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels doable. She collaborates to adjust techniques over time so the plan fits the person rather than forcing a single method.

Session formats are not specified here, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when time is tight, and reduce travel time. Online work can support practicing new skills between meetings and reviewing real-life situations together. Licensed professionals tailor the pace and tools to each person’s needs so therapy can be practical and relevant to everyday life.