“You’re not healing to be able to handle trauma. You’re used to trauma. You’re healing to be able to handle joy.”

— Crystal The Oracle, somatic healer and speaker

A woman with curly hair smiling outdoors in front of green foliage, wearing a dark blazer, a burgundy sweater, and jeans.

Hello and Welcome!

Alyssa Bekerman, LCSW, MFTC (she/her)

Until I finished graduate school, I never considered becoming a therapist, but as soon as I allowed myself to follow my curiosity into this profession, I knew it was the right choice. From the first therapy session I ever conducted, in a windowless office in the hospital I used to work at, I felt inspired, motivated, and excited. Since then I’ve received extensive therapeutic training and honed my ability to engage with clients in a professional, authentic, and sometimes humorous way.

A Bit On Background

While I was born and raised in southwest Aurora, CO, I’m mostly not a “stereotypical” Coloradan. In short that means that I didn’t grow up skiing, and I do properly pronounce Colorado’s “rad” name.

More personal, it means that I was raised in a low-income, racially diverse community with personal experience of a parent with severe mental illness and substance misuse. I’m the granddaughter of 4 Jewish survivors of the European holocaust who immigrated from Poland in 1950. I grew up with all the privileges that come with being a white, able-bodied, US citizen, cis woman, and I’ve experienced the anxiety and sense of not belonging that often accompanies ancestors of people who experienced immense, prolonged trauma (aka historical trauma).

I share this info because it’s helpful for my clients to have some insight on where my values and personality come from and what personal experiences I hold that may be important for their chosen therapist to be able to relate to.

All Are Welcome And Belong Here

I aim to embody the traits of a therapist and human who affirms all people and is aware of how my own identities may intersect with those of my clients. I’m not an apolitical therapist. While I won’t ever attempt to change my clients’ core belief systems or share more about myself than therapeutically relevant, I will sometimes share about my own beliefs and values to foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

Quick Guide to Alyssa

Personality: kind, straightforward, analytical, dry humor, hopeful realist, quick thinker

Roles: therapist, obsessed dog mom, sister, friend, daughter, world traveler, foodie, spreadsheet enthusiast, Spanish language learner

Training & Work History: I have a Master of Social Work and a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. I’m officially trained in EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and the Gottman Method, and soon to be certified in EMDR. Before becoming a therapist, I worked as an HIV social worker and career/academic advisor.

When Not Providing Therapy: I facilitate a support group for adult women who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse through Wings and volunteer with the organization from which I received my undergraduate scholarship, Greenhouse.