Alyssa Cowan

Psy.D.

    • Adults 

    • Young Adults

    • Disordered Eating

    • Body Image

    • Life Transitions

    • Relationships

    • Perfectionism

    • Anxiety

    • Reproductive Health

    • Depression

    • Adler University 
      Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, 2020

    • Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University
      Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, 2015-2019
      M.A. in Clinical Psychology, 2018

    • College of the Holy Cross, 2013
      B.A. Psychology

We may be a good fit if you’re…

  • Feeling at a crossroads in life, unsure of what decisions to make next

  • Noticing anxiety around food choices, food rules, or body image

  • Looking for a trained & skilled therapist who will collaborate with your treatment team

  • Seeking support, accountability, and understanding as you continue your eating disorder recovery journey

  • Experiencing challenges at work or in relationships

  • Struggling with your postpartum experience, including postpartum mental health issues

  • Navigating difficult family dynamics as an adult

  • Entering a new life stage, such as an identity shift, graduation, a new job, or marriage

In my work, I prioritize empathy, compassion, humor, and genuine connection.

Often, especially when struggling with disordered eating or amid challenging life circumstances, we can get stuck in patterns that are uncomfortable and difficult to get out of without support. Together, we’ll work on disrupting those patterns, understanding your feelings, and processing your experiences in a way that empowers you to make changes that align with what is truly important to you.

As an Eating Disorder Specialist, I have a deep understanding of the different ways eating disorders can present: some feel out of control, while others feel their eating habits are the only thing they can control. I can help you navigate the anxiety you may feel around food choices and rules, the impact it has on your relationships and other important areas of life, and create a path forward focused on long-term recovery.

I believe in approaching therapy in a way that's flexible, using strategies to help you navigate present challenges while also helping you understand their deeper sources to create long-term, meaningful change in your life. We may begin by equipping you with tools or skills that can be applied to your life right away, but will also take the time to explore the deeper underlying patterns at play. As we identify and name these patterns, we can then work together to address their root causes and the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors behind them.

Our alliance and relationship are critical to helping you meet your goals, and I consider myself one of those tools to help you understand how you see and experience yourself. My experience working at higher levels of eating disorder care also means I can understand the complexity of your needs and challenges in a deeper way. This allows me to meet you wherever you are, especially in the ups and downs of eating disorder recovery, while honoring where you want to go. 

I aim to make therapy a safe, non-judgmental space, where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, knowing they will be met with compassion, empathy, and a deep passion for this work and your growth. I’ll take the time to see things from your perspective, aiming to create an environment where you feel validated in your feelings to promote healing. 

I would be honored to work collaboratively with you to help you facilitate real change in your life, health, and relationships.

*I will be taking new clients starting January 2025.*