
Focused Care: A Boutique Approach to Mental Wellness
My Approach
The Foundation of My Practice-My journey as a clinician began in high-stakes, community-based environments, working with juveniles on probation. It was there that I saw firsthand how unresolved childhood trauma and systemic misalignment can alter the trajectory of a family’s future. These early experiences cemented my conviction: strategic, early intervention is not just vital—it is transformative.
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From the Living Room to the Boardroom- I have spent my career navigating the diverse landscapes where life actually happens—from hospice care and therapeutic boarding schools to home-based therapy sessions. I have fond memories of those hands-on years, often leaving sessions with craft feathers in my car and stickers on my arms. Those moments taught me that while the "architecture" of a system must be rigorous and evidence-based, the heart of the work is always human, creative, and deeply personal.
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The Clinical Expert -As a Licensed Psychotherapist, I provide the deep clinical expertise necessary to treat attachment concerns, anxiety, and behavioral complexities.
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Recognizing that sustainable change often requires support beyond the office, I have expanded my practice to include Behavioral Architecture & Private Advisory. This dual focus allows me to not only treat the internal world of the child but also to partner with parents to design the external systems that support them. Whether through traditional psychotherapy or bespoke concierge partnership, I help parents find effective solutions to manage defiance and aggression, allowing them to lead their families with confidence while maintaining their professional momentum.
How We Partner Together
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I offer several pathways for families to engage with my practice, ranging from traditional clinical support to immersive strategic advisory.
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Individual & Family Psychotherapy: Evidence-based clinical sessions focused on attachment, emotional regulation, and long-term healing.
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The Strategic Parent Assessment: A high-impact, one-time consultation for parents seeking immediate direction. We audit your current challenges and I provide a "Roadmap for Next Steps"—whether that involves continuing with my practice or receiving a curated referral to the specific specialists your family needs.
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Strategic Intensives: Accelerated, deep-dive sessions designed for high-performing parents who require sustainable results within a condensed timeline.
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Behavioral Architecture & Private Advisory: For families requiring a more integrated, 360-degree approach, I offer a bespoke concierge partnership. I am currently open to inquiries for this level of support; please mention your interest in the "Architect" model when scheduling your initial consultation.
The Foundation: Credentials & Research
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Advanced Trainings:
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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
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Completed September 2018 & March 2019​​
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Obtained Certified PCIT Therapist status June 12, 2024​
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
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Completed January 2015 & October 2019
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Early Childhood Mental Health Intensive, February 2022
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Board Licensures and Certifications:
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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Indiana License Number: 34008218A
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Active since 2018​
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Florida License Number: SW14342
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Active since 2017​
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Certified Parent Child Interaction Therapist (PCIT)​
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Active since 2024​
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Education:
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Master of Social Work (MSW) from Andrews University
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Graduated August 2013​
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Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Andrews University
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Graduated May 2012​
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Research Projects (under my maiden name Mayer):
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Peer-reviewed author:
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VanderWall, Curtis J.; Mayer, Alissa R.; Cooper, Krista; and Racovita-Szilagyi, Laura, "Balancing Justice and Mercy: Redemptive Ways of Dealing With Adolescent Substance Abuse" (2013). Faculty Publications. 6.
https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/socialwork-pubs/6-
December 2013​
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P-09 The Relationship between Volunteering and Church Attendance and Retention among Seventh-day Adventist Faculty and Staff: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Curtis J. VanderWaal, John T. Gavin, Alissa R. Mayer, William Ellis-
November 2013​
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B-1 Do Adventists Care about Their Communities? An Exploration of Personal Religious Practices and Community Service Involvement among SDA Faculty and Staff Authors: Curtis J. VanderWaal, Alissa R. Mayer, John T. Gavin
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November 2012
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