Britany Alva LMFT

I have often been told that I have a warm, caring, and understanding personality. I pride myself in being able to create a safe and open space for people. One that allows others to verbalize their struggles without fear of judgement, and which they feel heard. I do my best in meeting people where they are at and taking the time to listen to what people bring into the room. I understand that seeking help can be a difficult and hard decision to make and do, that is why I go to great lengths to help others see that we are all human. We all struggle at different points in our life and during these time we may need support. I am here to provide that for people.

I believe that setting goals with clients should be a collaborative process. Understanding when the client knows they are done with therapy is important. What will be different? Including behaviors, relationships, expression of emotions, and more. Having an open and direct conversation with the client about what they think should be their goals is important. In order to understand this I take the time in the initial session with my clients to get to know them and to gather information about their life, their experiences, and their present struggles. This helps in understanding what may be impacting the day to day struggle and/or long term distress associated with their reasons for seeking therapy. Through this process the client and I will work together to prioritize and increase understanding of what may be important to address throughout the therapy process. Every person is unique and has had their own set of experiences that have impacted. Understanding this is paramount to setting therapy goals with clients.

Life often comes with experiences that are difficult to handle. In my experience in working with individuals, couples, children, and families, I have come to understand that stressful and negative life experiences can present at different times. This may make it more difficult for us to cope, connect, and function in our daily life and with others. I understand that reaching out for support can be difficult, but necessary at times. In my work, I do my best to provide a safe, supportive, and understanding environment that enables individuals the space to explore the situations and experiences that have occurred in the past and present. I believe that our present struggles stem from our past experiences. I believe these experiences, the way we perceive them, including the things we saw, heard, felt, and sensed in those moments, continue to impact us. I also believe that our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world impact our actions. Often, our past and present experiences leave us with different beliefs and messages that impact our behaviors and level of functioning. I can help you identify these experiences, thoughts, and beliefs and navigate in the best way for you as an individual.

• California, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 116626

I have been working as a psychotherapist for 9 years.   I began my career in a non-profit agency that allowed me gain experience working with a variety of populations, including adults, teens, children, families, and couples. More specifically, I have gained experience working with families and individuals who have been referred from Children and Family Services, have been the victims of crimes, have had extensive trauma histories, and who have been or are a family member of military service members.   Over the last 6 years of my career I had the pleasure of managing a Military Services and Family Support program that offered services specifically to military members (active duty and veterans) and their family members.  In addition, I have been fortunate to gain training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy and have been practicing this modality of therapy for the past 6 years.  Further, I have practiced in a private practice setting where I have been able to meet individually with teens through adults addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, change of life, PTSD, complex trauma, and more.