B.A. Specialized Honours - In progress York University - Toronto, ON
Alyssa is currently pursuing a Specialized Honours B.A. in Psychology at York University. Alyssa has extensive research experience in the fields of personality, psychotherapy process and intimate relationships. Alyssa completed her Specialized Honours thesis under the supervision of Dr. Henny Westra. Alyssa's thesis aimed to understand how to better improve psychotherapy training by investigating the role of Deliberate Practice (DP; practice that is purposeful and systematic). Specifically, Alyssa's thesis examined the efficacy of DP psychotherapy training for mitigating unproductive client motivational language. Following her undergraduate studies, Alyssa aspires to continue her passion for research in clinical psychology at the graduate level. Her research interests particularly fall within the areas of mechanisms of change in therapy, treating and understanding Borderline Personality Disorder and life-threatening behaviour, as well as examining how close and intimate relationships can promote or hinder treatment for those suffering from severe mental illness.
