Black Woman (she/her), native Bostonian, and proud HBCU graduate. Growing up it seemed like outside of Church and loved ones, my siblings and I had no outlet for support and guidance after our parents got divorced. I had no idea what therapy was, and when I found out, I didn’t see too many people that looked like me offering this service. So I became what my younger self needed: a source for compassion and emotional growth, learning, healing — and representation.
I attended Morgan State to connect with more people that look, sound, and have mannerisms like me. Of course I know how to code-switch, but that’s comparable to a survival method, and I’ve grown exhausted from living in that dual reality. I was raised in predominantly white settings and gained a lot from those experiences, but when given a choice, I knew I needed change.
“I’m rooting for everybody Black.” – Issa Rae
Me, too! I’ve seen a lot of compassion and helpfulness given by those in my community and I am striving to be an advocate and be of service in my own ways. Through years of babysitting, volunteer groups, tutoring services, youth advocacy, and more, rooting for others success has always felt natural to me. I want to help in a way that makes people feel empowered, confident, to be self-aware, and as comfortable as possible being unapologetically Black. Caring for your Mental Health is a vital component of this reality. Talking about mental wellness is important to me because I believe that it can be so freeing. With the right amount of awareness, guidance, empathy, honesty, support and resources, our capabilities are endless.
Meet Dr. Alysha
MISSION
Providing access to culturally relevant mental health information and resources for people who would like to
Be Empowered.
PURPOSE
Dedicated to broadening conversations around the importance of mental health, to the same standard as physical health. The present narrative surrounding mental health can be negative, stigmatizing, and too often inaccurate. Particularly in communities of color, my hope is to help continuously destigmatize mental health and increase awareness and access to wellness resources.
There is power in validation and relatability and that is why I utilize a client-centered, strengths-based method, with consideration for relational, intersectional, and social justice contexts. I don’t consider myself an advice giver, but instead I will collaborate with you to recognize your choices and help you make the best one for yourself. My objective is for you to feel empowered by reducing emotional burdens, developing coping strategies and identifying resources, and enhancing your strengths.
“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.”
—Maya Angelou
EXPERIENCE
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #119549, with a Doctorate and Master’s degree in MFT, practicing since 2015. I’ve worked in several settings including community health centers, residential substance abuse facilities, group homes, and currently in private practice, seeing individuals, couples, and families. I strive to empower the mental wellness of everyone, but what brings me the most joy is working with Black and Brown persons from diverse and intersectional backgrounds. I am passionate about teaching how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors all interact, and helping people develop strategies to increase their wellbeing and overall quality of life.
I have presented and discussed mental health and wellness in numerous settings, such as town hall meetings, health and community settings or support groups, high school and college settings, and company retreats. I identify as a Black woman therapist and value authenticity, diversity and inclusion, individuality, and growth.