Alysha Balonis

Communication is a rather large word that often gets thrown around in our day to day lives in such phrases like ‘communication is key’. Interestingly enough, what is never said is ‘communication is difficult’ or ‘everyone communicates differently’. As a licensed professional counselor, I work to pay special attention to the unique ways in which individuals communicate so that such individuals can feel heard and more importantly understood. Chances are if you are reading this you have not felt understood in a while, you are having a difficult time understanding yourself, or you no longer fully understand a loved one. I specialize in the treatment of children. As Carl Landreth said “toys are like the child’s words and play is the child’s language” (2002). Utilizing his child centered play therapy approach; I work to build strong, trusting relationship with children to allow them to express themselves freely. I also have experience in TANT, EFT, CBT, and PCIT. I find that my desire to match communication styles and develop an understanding works well with adolescents and adults as well. I understand that therapy can feel uncomfortable and awkward at times and encourage individuals to move at a pace that feels comfortable to them. After all, I am the expert on psychotherapy, you are the expert on yourself.