Alyssa An, PsyD
Postdoctoral Fellow/Therapist
Approach to Care
I believe therapy works best when children and teens feel safe, understood, and supported, and when parents and caregivers feel included in the therapeutic process. I strive to create a warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive environment where young clients can feel comfortable expressing themselves, exploring their experiences, and developing skills to navigate challenges. I also work closely with parents and caregivers to better understand their child’s needs and support positive change beyond the therapy room.
I approach therapy as a collaborative process involving the child or teen, their family, and myself. While I bring specialized clinical training in working with children and adolescents, I recognize that young clients and their families are the experts on their own experiences. Together, we can better understand patterns, build strengths, develop practical skills, and create meaningful change that supports the child or teen both in therapy and in their lives outside therapy.
One of my core values is seeing people beyond their symptoms. Rather than focusing solely on diagnoses or difficulties, I strive to understand each child, teen, and family within the context of their relationships, culture, strengths, values, and life experiences. At Willow Anxiety & OCD, I bring this experience into my work with clients experiencing challenges including OCD, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression. My goal is to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and feel more confident in their ability to navigate life’s challenges.
Methods of Treatment
My therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and incorporates evidence-based approaches such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I tailor these approaches to each client’s developmental stage, needs, and goals, with an emphasis on building practical skills and creating meaningful change. I believe therapy is an active and collaborative process. Alongside exploring thoughts, emotions, and experiences, sessions may include opportunities to practice new ways of coping, responding to anxiety, and navigating difficult situations in real time.
Cultural Sensitivity
I identify as Asian American and was raised in Hawaiʻi. Growing up in a diverse, community-oriented environment helped me appreciate the many ways culture, family, and lived experiences shape how we see ourselves and navigate the world. I am committed to providing affirming and culturally responsive care. I approach each client with curiosity, humility, and respect, recognizing that every person's story is unique.
Education and Experience
I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Most recently, I completed my doctoral internship training at Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI).
Throughout my training, I have provided therapy and psychological services to children, adolescents, young adults, and families across community mental health, private practice, and outpatient settings. My clinical experience includes supporting individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, behavioral challenges, family stressors, and significant life transitions.
I am grateful for the diverse experiences my training has provided. They have taught me not only how to be adaptable, creative, and evidence-based in the therapy room, but also how to show up as an authentic and compassionate human being.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, running, hiking, collecting Miffy merchandise, spending time with my dog, and enjoying a good matcha latte.