Licensed Associate Counselor · Scottsdale, AZ

Therapy that meets you where you are.

Whether you’re a child learning to understand and express big feelings, a teen finding your footing, an adult feeling stretched thin, or a couple looking to reconnect, you’re welcome here. Together, we’ll build practical tools to support emotional well-being, strengthen resilience, and foster healthier relationships all at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable for you.

Currently seeing clients through Pathways Counseling Services

Alyssa Dowdell, MS, LAC, Licensed Associate Counselor in Scottsdale, Arizona

About Me

I’m a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) at Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale, Arizona. I provide individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults as well as couples counseling.

I believe every person has the capacity to grow and heal. My role is to meet you where you are, understand what matters most to you, and shape our work around your goals. Therapy should feel practical and approachable while giving you tools that can make a difference in everyday life.

Before joining Pathways, I worked as a supervised counselor in school-based and community mental health settings. I supported children as they developed emotional regulation and social skills while helping them navigate challenges at school and at home. I also worked with adults navigating trauma, difficult life transitions, and other major changes. These experiences taught me the importance of meeting each person where they are and adapting therapy to their individual needs.

My goal is to create a space where you feel heard and understood while working toward meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you.

Who I Work With

Children

Play-based and social-emotional work that helps young clients name their feelings, communicate, and build coping skills.

Adolescents

Support for teens dealing with anxiety, mood changes, self-esteem, and the pressures of growing up.

Adults

Room to work through stress, depression, trauma, and life transitions.

Couples

Help for partners who want clearer communication and a stronger connection.

Common areas of focus

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Emotional regulation
  • Self-esteem
  • Relationships
  • Life transitions

My Approach

I take a holistic, client-centered approach. I pay attention to how thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall wellness connect. The methods below are evidence-based, and I tailor them to each person.

CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps you notice anxious or self-critical thoughts and shift them toward something more balanced.

DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy builds emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthy coping.

ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps you live by your values while making room for difficult feelings.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a structured method that helps the brain work through painful memories so they hold less weight.

I also use solution-focused strategies. Which tools we use depends on your needs, readiness, and goals.

Education & Credentials

  • Master of Science, Clinical Mental Health CounselingGrand Canyon University. Specialization in childhood and adolescent disorders.
  • Bachelor of Arts, PsychologyUniversity of Arizona. Minor in Business Administration.
  • Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)State of Arizona
  • Dialectical Behavior TherapyCertification Training Complete
  • EMDRTraining Complete

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do you work with?

Children, adolescents, and adults in individual therapy, plus couples. Common focuses include anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationships, and life transitions.

What therapy approaches do you use?

I draw on CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR, and I tailor the mix to your goals and what feels manageable.

Where are you located?

I practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. Appointment details are arranged through my current practice listing.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Scheduling runs through Pathways Counseling Services. Use the link on this page to view my profile and request an appointment.

Are you accepting new clients?

Availability changes. Check the scheduling link for the latest openings.

Let's Connect

I see clients through Pathways Counseling Services in Scottsdale. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit my profile there.

Pathways profile →

If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or dial 911.