Play Based Child Therapist
Alyssa Mota
MSW, Clinical Social Work Associate
Specialties
Collaborative Problem Solving
A trauma informed modality that emphasizes the root causes of challenging behaviors and collaboratively finding solutions with the child or teen. Dr. Ross Green developed CPS to help children and teens develop essential skills such as cognitive flexibility, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving abilities. Using empathy and understanding, CPS encourages adults to seek a deeper sense of compassion for their child. CPS is helpful for children diagnosed with oppositional defiance, conduct disorder, ADHD, mood disturbances, bipolar and autism spectrum.
Neurodivergent children and teens
We are a neurodiversity affirming center, meaning we appreciate and see the value in diverse minds and how we each see and experience the world in different ways. There are natural variations in human brains and behaviors that range from conditions like autism and ADHD to learning differences and sensory processing differences. I help children and teens to explore what connection looks like to them and help with skill building and problem solving, to improve social emotional connection, emotion regulation and communication skills.
Play based
Play-based therapy incorporates many different forms of play and self expression, to allow a child to fully explore their internal world. From Sandtray to drawing or painting, to pre-tend play and card games. Engaging in play-based therapy can help a child make sense of their own experiences, this can range from processing trauma, expanding self-expression, problem solving, learning to communicate effectively, releasing stress and managing anxiety. Play based therapy is helpful for children ages 3-12.
Bio
I take a client-centered approach when working with children and adolescents, tailoring my methods to meet their unique needs and strengths. With over a decade of experience in clinical settings, I have supported individuals aged 3 to 18 in schools, community practices, residential programs, and in coordinating mental health care following hospital discharge.
My approach integrates a variety of therapeutic techniques, including play therapy, art-based interventions, and calming strategies, all while considering each child’s developmental stage and personal relationships. I have specialized training in Collaborative Problem Solving, trauma-informed care, Polyvagal Theory in play therapy, and best practices for supporting neurodivergent children and teens. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where young people can build resilience, develop self-regulation skills, and strengthen their connections with others.
When working with youth, I counsel both children/adolescents and include their family in creating a strategy to enable them to reach their goals through varied interventions based on the unique needs of each individual, as well as their family system. I have a unique skill set I bring to the therapeutic setting. I have spent most of my career in community mental health working with high acuity teens and children in out-patient, hospital, residential, and school settings.
I received both my Bachelor of Arts and My Masters in Social Work from George Fox University with an emphasis in play-based therapy and direct therapeutic support.
When I am not working I am often taking trips around Oregon with my family and enjoying all of the different outdoor activities from snowboarding to hiking or golfing or even just reading a book while I hide from the rain.
Alyssa Mota
My Fees:
$150 for 60min sessions
$130 for 45min Sessions
$220 for intakes and extended sessions of 90min.
Insurance:
Path to Bliss Wellness is in-network with PacificSource health plans and OHP. Predominantly we are a cash based clinic. We can provide you with a superbill for insurance purposes should you want to seek partial reimbursement from your insurance. We accept all major credit/debit cards and checks. Payment for sessions are due at the time of service. Please note. A 3% credit card fee will be applied to all payments for services.