Three Ways to Work Together
Find the Right Support for Your Situation
Whether you're dreading a specific conversation, want to build communication skills with others, or need a structured foundation for lasting change, we have an option designed for you. Each service is built around the same core principle: you can't control the outcome or the other person, but you can control how you show up—and that's where real change begins.
1:1 Coaching
Work directly with Alissa to prepare for a difficult conversation, clarify your goals, and build confidence in how you'll respond. Ideal for anyone facing a specific challenging interaction.
Flexible sessions • Personalized strategy • Practice & feedback
Monthly Workshops
Join a group of people learning practical communication skills together. Each month focuses on a new topic—from starting difficult conversations to staying calm under pressure.
Group learning • Community support • Skill-building
3-Week Course: Better Communication
A structured, goal-oriented course that builds your communication foundation over three weeks. Learn practical tools you'll use for years, whether in relationships, family, or work.
Structured learning • Practical exercises • Lasting skills
1:1 Coaching
When you're facing a difficult conversation—whether it's a hard boundary you need to set, feedback you need to give, or a conflict you need to address—1:1 coaching gives you personalized support to prepare, practice, and show up with confidence. You work directly with Alissa to clarify what you want to say, explore your options, and build a strategy that feels aligned with your values, even when you can't control the other person's response.
This is for anyone who dreads confrontation but knows staying silent costs them. Maybe you shut down under pressure, or the words get jumbled when emotions run high. Maybe you're worried about being too harsh or not being heard at all. In a coaching session, you'll describe the situation, clarify your goals, practice your response, and get real-time feedback so that when you have the actual conversation, you're ready—calm, clear, and proud of how you showed up.
You can't control the outcome or the other person, but you can control how you show up.
How It Works
In your session, you'll walk through the specifics: what's been happening, what you want to accomplish, what you're afraid might happen, and how you want to handle it. Together, we'll identify the core message you want to land, explore how to say it in a way that feels true to you, and practice your response so you're not caught off guard. You'll leave with a clear plan, practical language, and the confidence that comes from knowing you've done the work.
Who It's For
1:1 coaching is ideal if you're preparing for a specific difficult conversation, navigating ongoing conflict in a relationship, or wanting to improve how you advocate for yourself and communicate in high-stakes moments. It works for individuals, couples, and anyone in Portland or anywhere virtually who wants personalized support from someone who understands that conflict and confrontation don't have to mean you lose yourself.
What to Expect
You'll schedule a session (typically 60 minutes for thorough preparation, or shorter depending on your needs). You come with the situation; Alissa brings expertise in communication, conflict coaching, and helping people show up authentically even when it's hard. Most people leave feeling clearer, more confident, and ready to have the conversation in a way they can be proud of—regardless of how the other person responds.
Ready to prepare for that difficult conversation? Reach out to get started, or explore our other service options if you're looking for group learning or a structured course.
Monthly Workshops
Learn alongside others in an interactive group setting. Our monthly workshops bring together individuals and couples who want to strengthen their communication skills and build confidence in difficult conversations. Each session combines practical tools with real-world practice.
Group Learning
Connect with others navigating similar challenges. Peer support and shared experience create a safe space for growth.
Monthly Format
One evening workshop each month, designed to fit into your schedule. Topics rotate to cover the full range of communication challenges.
Practical Tools
Walk away with concrete strategies you can use immediately. Each workshop includes exercises and practice opportunities.
Portland & Virtual
Attend in person in Portland or join online from anywhere. Choose the format that works best for you.
Sample Workshop Topics
Recent and upcoming workshops include:
- • How to Start a Difficult Conversation
- • Staying Calm Under Pressure
- • Listening When You Disagree
- • Setting Boundaries with Respect
3-Week Course: Better Communication
A structured, goal-oriented course designed to help you build lasting communication skills. Over three weeks, you'll move from clarifying what you want to say, to staying calm under pressure, to truly listening when conversations get difficult. Whether you're navigating ongoing conflict, preparing for a tough conversation, or simply wanting to communicate more effectively in your relationships, this course gives you practical tools you can use immediately.
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Finding Your Words
Start by getting clear on what you actually want to communicate. We'll help you identify your core message, understand what's driving your need to speak up, and organize your thoughts so they come out coherent—not jumbled or reactive. You'll leave this week knowing exactly what you want to say and why it matters.
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Staying Calm Under Pressure
Emotions run high in difficult conversations—defensiveness, anxiety, anger. This week, you'll learn concrete techniques to recognize when you're becoming flooded and how to stay grounded even when the other person is reactive or dismissive. You'll practice staying calm so you can respond thoughtfully instead of reacting on impulse.
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Listening and Responding
Real communication is two-way. In the final week, you'll learn how to truly listen—even when you disagree—and how to respond in ways that keep the conversation open rather than shutting it down. You'll understand how to advocate for yourself while also honoring the other person's perspective, so you show up in a way you can be proud of.
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Who This Course Is For
Individuals and couples who want to improve how they communicate in relationships, whether that's with a partner, family member, or colleague. You don't need to be great at communication already—you just need to be willing to practice and try a different approach. This is for people who hate confrontation but know staying silent costs them too.
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How to Get Started
The course is offered online and can be completed as a group or as a 1:1 option tailored to your specific situation. You'll get practical worksheets, exercises to practice between sessions, and ongoing support from Alissa. Ready to build better communication skills? Reach out to schedule or ask questions.