Real CHANGE.

Real insight.

     STOP MANAGING THE MESS      •      START LIVING      •      STOP MANAGING THE MESS      •      START LIVING      •      STOP MANAGING THE MESS      •      START LIVING      •      STOP MANAGING THE MESS      •      START LIVING      •
HONEST, DIRECT THERAPY   •   ATTACHMENT-FOCUSED WORK   •   REAL CONVERSATIONS   •   A JUDGMENT-FREE SPACE   •
HONEST, DIRECT THERAPY   •   ATTACHMENT-FOCUSED WORK   •   REAL CONVERSATIONS   •   A JUDGMENT-FREE SPACE   •
HONEST, DIRECT THERAPY   •   ATTACHMENT-FOCUSED WORK   •   REAL CONVERSATIONS   •   A JUDGMENT-FREE SPACE   •
HONEST, DIRECT THERAPY   •   ATTACHMENT-FOCUSED WORK   •   REAL CONVERSATIONS   •   A GROUNDED, JUDGMENT-FREE SPACE   •
HONEST, DIRECT THERAPY   •   ATTACHMENT-FOCUSED WORK   •   REAL CONVERSATIONS   •   A GROUNDED, JUDGMENT-FREE SPACE   •
HONEST, DIRECT THERAPY   •   ATTACHMENT-FOCUSED WORK   •   REAL CONVERSATIONS   •   A GROUNDED, JUDGMENT-FREE SPACE   •

Hey, I'm Alyssa.

I’m Alyssa, a psychotherapist who works with adults navigating attachment patterns and relationship dynamics that keep repeating, even when you're trying hard to change them.

My style is direct and honest. I’m trained in Mentalization-Based Therapy, which means I pay close attention to what’s happening internally in real time, especially when emotions run high.

I work collaboratively and openly, helping you make sense of your reactions as they’re happening so you can respond with more clarity and choice in your relationships.

MY APPROACH (MBT)

licensure (LCSW): 113260

Why I Do This Work

I know how early relationships can shape the way emotions, closeness, and conflict show up later in life.

Even when we’re thoughtful and self-aware, we can still caught in reactions that feel automatic and confusing.

Learning how attachment patterns form, and how they get activated in adult relationships, gives language and meaning to experiences that may otherwise feel hard to explain.

This is why I focus my work on attachment and relational patterns. I’ve seen how powerful it can be to make sense of these dynamics, not to dwell on the past, but to create more clarity and choice in the present.

Training & Clinical Experience

I bring a strong clinical foundation and specialized training to my work:
  • Master of Social Work from University of Southern California (USC)

  • Master of Science from Union College and Mt Sinai School of Medicine

  • Advanced training in Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)

  • Certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Certified Yoga Teacher

  • 10 years of clinical experience in the following settings: Published clinical research in hospital settings, diagnostic assessment and discharge planning in hospital settings, intensive individual, family and group therapy provided in group homes, and individual therapy in private practice.

  • Several years of experience working with adults in individual psychotherapy

How I Work With Clients

My approach is honest, direct, and always remaining judgment-free.

I focus on helping you build awareness of your emotional reactions as they happen, especially in moments of stress or conflict. Together, we slow things down, make sense of what’s going on internally, and understand how those reactions show up in your relationships.

I often describe my style as grounded in the three H’s: humor, humility, and honesty. 

Therapy should feel like a real, human conversation, where even the uncomfortable or messy parts can be explored openly.

What You Can Expect From Therapy

Feeling understood without being judged or rushed.
Recognizing emotional patterns as they show up, not just afterward.
Communicating more clearly, especially in moments of tension.
Setting boundaries that feel grounded, not reactive.
Relationships that feel steadier, more secure, and less exhausting over time.
Feeling understood without being judged or rushed.

Recognizing emotional patterns as they show up, not just afterward.

Communicating more clearly, especially in moments of tension.

Setting boundaries that feel grounded, not reactive.

Relationships that feel steadier, more secure, and less exhausting over time.
     STOP MANAGING THE MESS      •      START LIVING      •      STOP MANAGING THE MESS      •      START LIVING      •      STOP MANAGING THE MESS      •      START LIVING      •      STOP MANAGING THE MESS      •      START LIVING      •
MENTALIZATION-BASED THERAPY   •   SPECIALIZED TRAINING   •   EVIDENCE-BASED   •   DESIGNED FOR ATTACHMENT TRAUMA   •
MENTALIZATION-BASED THERAPY   •   SPECIALIZED TRAINING   •   EVIDENCE-BASED   •   DESIGNED FOR ATTACHMENT TRAUMA   •
MENTALIZATION-BASED THERAPY   •   SPECIALIZED TRAINING   •   EVIDENCE-BASED   •   DESIGNED FOR ATTACHMENT TRAUMA   •

My Values

Real change starts with honest conversations, even when they’re uncomfortable.

Radical Honesty

I work with consistency, transparency, and care so therapy feels safe and reliable.

Integrity

My goal is for you to understand yourself well enough to make different choices outside of therapy.

Empowerment

This work is serious, but it’s also human. Warmth and humor are part of meaningful connection.

Humor

You don’t have to edit yourself here. This is a space to be honest without fear of judgment.

No Judgment

I make complex psychology understandable so you can make informed decisions about your wellbeing.

Accessibility

If we feel like a good fit, you’re welcome to take the next step.

If we feel like a good fit, you’re welcome to take the next step.

Starting therapy doesn’t require certainty or a perfect explanation of what’s going on.

Booking an initial assessment gives us space to talk through what’s coming up and see whether working together feels right.

START THERAPY

Request Appointment

Alyssa Balasco MS, MSW, LCSW, CYT

I’m Alyssa, a California-based psychotherapist specializing in attachment trauma and relationship patterns.

I work with adults who want real understanding and meaningful change

licensure (LCSW): 113260