Meet Alissa
A therapist who gets it
I help people who aren't fans of confrontation learn to show up for themselves—with clarity, calm, and integrity—even when they can't control the outcome or the other person.
For years, I've worked with individuals and couples navigating difficult conversations. I've seen how conflict-avoidant people often silence themselves to keep the peace, then resent the people they love. That pattern breaks when you learn that you can't control what happens next, but you absolutely can control how you show up.
My approach is practical, jargon-free, and values-centered. We focus on real conversations you're dreading or struggling with—not abstract theory. Through conflict coaching, couples communication work, and structured courses, I help you build the skills to stay composed and advocate for yourself in a way you can be proud of.
Specializing in conflict coaching for people preparing for difficult conversations
Serving Portland and beyond through in-person and virtual sessions
Communication is learnable—and so is staying calm under pressure
How We Work Together
Working with me is straightforward and practical. We're not here to talk endlessly about your past or diagnose what's wrong with you. Instead, we focus on what matters right now: helping you show up in a way that feels true to who you are, even when the other person is difficult or the conversation feels impossible.
Here's what makes this different: you can't control how someone else responds to you, and you can't control their behavior. But you absolutely can control how you show up. That's where the real power is. Whether you're dreading a conversation with a partner, preparing to set a boundary at work, or trying to repair a relationship, we work together to clarify what you actually want to say, practice saying it in a way that feels authentic, and build the confidence to follow through—even if the outcome isn't perfect.
I work with a lot of people who hate confrontation. You're not broken because you feel anxious before a difficult conversation. That's normal. What we do is turn that anxiety into preparation. We slow things down, map out what you want to communicate, practice staying calm under pressure, and make sure that whatever you say aligns with your values. Communication is a skill, not a personality trait—and skills can be learned.
You can't control the other person's response, but you absolutely can control how you show up.
What Sessions Look Like
In our first conversation, we talk about the specific situation that brought you in. What's the conversation you're dreading or struggling with? What do you want to happen? What are you afraid might happen? This clarity matters—a lot. From there, we work through what you want to say, how you might say it, and what to do if things get heated or defensive.
Sessions are collaborative. I'm not here to tell you what to do or judge your choices. Instead, we think through options together, talk through what feels true to you, and practice. Yes, we actually practice. If you're nervous about a conversation coming up, we'll role-play it so you get comfortable with your words and your tone before the real thing happens. This helps a lot.
The goal is clarity, confidence, and alignment. By the end, you'll know what you want to communicate, how you want to say it, and how to stay grounded if the conversation gets uncomfortable. You'll also understand that you've done your part—you showed up with intention, honesty, and respect. That's something to be proud of, regardless of what happens next.
Who This Helps
I work with individuals preparing for a difficult conversation, couples wanting to improve how they communicate about problems, and families navigating conflict. If you're someone who avoids confrontation but knows that staying silent costs you—in relationships, at work, or in your own sense of integrity—this work is for you.
I also work with people who aren't sure if what's bothering them is their own inner conflict or an actual relationship problem. Sometimes it's hard to tell what you're feeling or whether saying something will actually help. That clarity matters too, and we work through it together. Learn more about the specific ways we work together on the services page.
Where We Work
Whether you're in Portland or anywhere else, we're here to help you prepare for difficult conversations and show up in a way you can be proud of.
- In-Person in Portland, Oregon — Work directly with Alissa in Portland for face-to-face coaching and therapy sessions.
- Virtual Sessions Nationwide — Connect via video from anywhere in the U.S. (or beyond) for 1:1 coaching, workshops, and our communication course.
- 1:1 Coaching — Personalized support for a specific difficult conversation or relationship challenge you're facing.
- Monthly Workshops — Group learning sessions on communication skills and conflict navigation, available both in-person and virtually.
- 3-Week Course: Better Communication — A structured course to build lasting communication skills, offered virtually for accessibility.
Ready to explore which option is right for you? Get in touch to discuss your needs and schedule a time to talk.
Email to Get StartedReady to Get Started?
Send us a message and we'll get back to you to discuss which service is the right fit for your situation.
Prefer email? Reach out directly at alissa@encouragingconversations.info
We serve Portland, Oregon and offer virtual sessions anywhere.