About Alyssa kushner, LCSW

You don’t have to carry this all on your own.

Hi! I’m Alyssa Kushner, LCSW a trauma-informed therapist serving clients in New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, and Maryland. I specialize in working with adults who feel like they are “too much” and “not enough” all at once. The over-thinkers, the care-takers, the high-achievers with anxiety that are tired of being it all to everyone and doing it all for everyone. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone - and you don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode.

Please know I don’t believe in “fixing” or a “one-size-fits-all-approach.” I’m here to actually see you- to help you untangle the people pleasing patterns, perfectionism, trauma, and anxiety that keeps you stuck. My approach is relational, holistic, and compassionate. My work is grounded in a real relationship between us, authenticity, personalized strategies, and change. Therapy with me is a space to come as you are- without pressure, without performance, and without pretending you are okay when you’re not.

I integrate a mix of supportive approaches depending on what you need- whether that’s regular talk therapy, EMDR to help reprocess whats keeping you stuck, somatic work to reconnect with your body, or mindfulness and self-compassion practices to quiet your inner critic and be present. We’ll move at a pace that feels safe, working together to build more self-trust, clarity, and ease. Therapy will also feel fun at times- its not just about the painful stuff, we will laugh together, celebrate your wins, and authentically just connect as humans. I look forward to it!

Licensed in NY (#093839), NJ (#44SC06281300), Washington DC (#LC200003326) and MD (#23919).

I prioritize my own self-care so I can show up better as a clinician! I enjoy lifting weights, cooking vegetarian meals, journaling, and hiking in mountains when I can get out of NYC. I have a regular hot yoga, breathwork, and mindful self compassion practice myself. I have a background in singing, playing piano, and appreciate live music and broadway shows, they bring me joy!

please Hear me when I say:

You did the best you could with what you had. Now you’re ready to do it differently.

Please know that your patterns make sense. Your coping skills were protective. And healing IS possible even if it felt out of reach before.

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How I work

At the core of my approach to therapy is a belief that healing happens in safe, attuned relationships - starting with the one we build together.

I believe you don’t need to be “fixed” - you need to feel seen, supported, and reconnected to the parts of yourself you’ve had to quiet in order to survive. My work is grounded in trauma-informed care, attachment theory, somatic practices, EMDR, and mindful self-compassion. I don’t believe one size fits all, so I like to integrate multiple practices to tailor and meet your needs. Together, we will explore your past without getting stuck in it, so you can make sense of your patterns, feel more regulated, and start living in alignment with your true self.

We will start with talk therapy as a two way conversation where I also participate, not just nod along. I will also bring in practices, exercises, feedback, and strategies. We will set intentions together and make sure we are meeting your needs and goals you first came in with. I also want to make sure we have fun together, can laugh, focus on whats going right and well - through humor and authenticity! This is a space where you don’t have to perform, shrink, or carry it all alone.

Therapy with me is…

  • I don’t believe in a one-size-fits all approach. We’ll tailor to your unique needs, goals, and pace - whether you’re craving structure and strategies, a space to explore, or a mix of both. Learn more.

  • This isn’t a blank stare and notepad. I bring my full, grounded human presence into the room with you. We’ll build a relationship rooted in trust, safety, and mutual respect - because healing happens in connection, not isolation. Learn more.

  • We don’t just talk about your feelings - we explore how they live in your body. Whether through somatic practices, mindfulness skills, or EMDR, we’ll gently work with your nervous system to create deeper, lasting change. Learn more.

  • You are not broken. Your patterns are adaptations. Therapy with me helps you understand those patterns with compassion - so you can begin to trust yourself, advocate for your needs, and live more authentically.

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specializing in:

My Training & Education

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in NY, NJ, DC, and MD

  • Masters of Social Work (MSW) from New York University (NYU), BA in Psychology from Rutgers University

  • Previous jobs in Partial and Intensive Outpatient Programs (PHP/IOP) & Group Private Practice as an individual therapy, group therapist, clinical coach, and clinical supervisor

  • Currently also a Clinical Supervisor to other therapists at Bhava Therapy Group

  • Trained in

    • EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing - EMDRIA approved)

    • Somatic Embodiment

    • Mindful Self Compassion & Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

    • DBT skills (from Behavioral Tech)

    • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention

    • Trauma Treatment Certification Course: Clients with Complex Trauma

  • Extensive experience in running and creating support groups for over 8 years

I’m also here to help with…

  • Trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD

  • Anxiety & Overwhelm

  • Depression & Burn Out

  • Relationship Difficulties

  • Big Life Changes & Stressors

  • Self-Esteem

  • ADHD

  • Codependency

  • People Pleasing & Perfectionism

  • Disordered Eating Patterns

  • Alcohol Use & Sober Curiosity

Your needs matter too.

Your needs matter, too!