Alyssa Santos, A.M.F.T.

Available for In Person & Virtual Sessions

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. I have worked in the mental health field in both community outreach & private practice settings. Working in both of these settings has allowed me gain valuable experience from a wide range of client populations, ranging from children and adolescents to adults and couples. I also have experience working with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, OCD, grief and loss, adjustment disorders, and PTSD. My path to the mental health field came after years of working and studying in the medical field. This has helped me to gain invaluable insight and develop my passion for counseling. I realized the huge importance of mental health in today’s world, especially as the world changes and moves around us. While we as a society more highly value the importance of keeping our bodies healthy, our minds are not always afforded the same care.  It is my belief that therapy is for everyone, at any time, and can be utilized for personal growth, and not just in times of crisis or symptom reduction. I truly believe, “Shame dies when stories are told in safe spaces,” as Ann Voskamp once said. My goal is to therefore create a space free of fear of judgment and full of trust, curiosity & courage to go on the journey that is therapy. I work from an attachment theory & family systems perspective to help me better understand my client's histories, current issues, & relationships they maintain. I also utilize modalities & interventions from a broad range of theoretical orientations to best serve the client.  I believe therapy should never be a one size fits all experience. While I do enjoy working with many different populations, my passion lies in helping moms at all stages including those facing infertility, pregnancy, and infant loss, birth trauma, postpartum depression & anxiety, and empty nesting. Being a mother is a great joy in life  & simultaneously one of the hardest undertakings. I have found that as a mother myself, the road to becoming and being a mother is one best travelled with support. I hope to provide compassionate care especially in the times of grief and loss, as well as processing and validating feelings around motherhood, however it looks. In my office, confrontation is not a bad thing. The word itself means “to face with”. It is my goal to face whatever challenges you may have, with you. Every client’s story is important, and I am grateful to every client for giving me the honor of walking alongside them on their journey.  To inquire about setting up an appointment with me please call our office at 562-566-4257.