Last edited 02/17/2022
Britany AlvaLMFT
LMFT
Accepting New Clients
Get To Know Me
In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
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.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
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.
Are there any recurring themes or issues you’ve noticed as you treat people in your area of specialization, and how has this insight guided your approach?
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.
Learn more about my:
Specialties
Specializes in
DepressionAnxietyPost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)TraumaVeterans' issues
General Expertise
Relationship IssuesLoss/GriefSelf-EsteemSocial AnxietyAbuse/Survivors of abuseAnger managementCodependencyDivorce & separationDomestic violenceEating disordersFamily issuesLife transitionsMood disordersPanic attacks & panic disorderStress
Treatment Approaches
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally Focused TherapyAttachment-Based TherapyMarriage and Family Therapy
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Family TherapyIndividual TherapyMarriage & Couples Counseling
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)
Languages
English
Professional Background
LicensureCalifornia, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 116626
Training/CertificationsEye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing TherapyTrauma Resiliency Model
Education
Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Psychology
Masters of Arts in Forensic Psychology
Bachelors of Arts in Psychology
Work HistoryI 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Britany Alva, LMFT, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Britany Alva accepting new clients?
Yes, Britany Alva is accepting new clients.
Does Britany Alva accept insurance?
No, Britany Alva does not accept insurance.
What types of therapy does Britany Alva offer?
Britany Alva offers therapy for couples, families and individuals.
Does Britany Alva offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in California can book Britany Alva for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Britany Alva offer online therapy?
Yes, Britany Alva offers online therapy to people in California.
How quickly can I see Britany Alva?
Britany Alva typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Britany Alva speak?
Britany Alva conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Britany Alva online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Britany Alva online using Choosing Therapy’s directory.
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