08/26/2025
The purpose of this Families, Inc. staff spotlight is so you may learn more about our amazing staff! This post highlights one of our Licensed Counselors, Alyssa Dlouhy.
Alyssa recently attained licensure as an Independent Social Worker, after working hard towards this goal under supervision. She has been with Families, Inc. since 2017, providing valuable services to our children and families throughout Eastern Iowa. Read on to learn more about Alyssa. She is such an asset to our company!
Alyssa, can you describe one of your favorite work memories?
This is a tough one—there are so many! One that I will never forget is when I was an intern, just starting with Families, Inc. I was helping my supervisor set up her office at a school. We were unpacking boxes and discovered a family of wolf spiders. We thought we got them all out; however, in the middle of my very first counseling session with a client, several more, very large spiders crawled out of a box. I am pretty sure I was more terrified than the client. It was at that point, I realized I was the therapist, and I needed to get it together! I definitely questioned my career choice! However, I am happy to say, I made it through, and the client even helped us remove the spiders. I am so glad I did not give up on that first day, otherwise, I would not have had the opportunity to experience so many great memories working for Families, Inc.!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was little, I was obsessed with princesses and wanted to be one myself!
What energizes you and drains you when you're at work?
I love that my job currently consists of working with children and families in their homes. This allows me to move around and not have to stay in one spot. I find it very energizing to be in a new environment each hour. I love to incorporate creativity, movement, and nature into my sessions. I can see that these are big energy boosters not only for myself, but my clients as well. It can be draining to be stuck behind a desk or computer all day!
Name a role model who has inspired you in your current work roles:
When I was in middle school, my mom made me go to therapy. Of course, as a teenager, I did not think I needed therapy and was pretty resistant. I went through several therapists whom I did not click with. However, I eventually met Becky. In my very first session, Becky offered me a choice to go back into her office or leave without seeing her. Up to this point, no other therapist asked me what I wanted. She allowed me the power to choose. I finally felt heard. From this point on, I continued to see Becky up until I left for college. Through my own personal therapy, I learned that a positive, therapeutic relationship can truly change someone's life. Becky inspired me to want to create a welcoming, safe environment for children and families to discover their own power and capabilities to grow and heal.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
As a therapist, I think it only makes sense to want to be able to read minds. Having the power to read minds would help me further understand and be able to support the individuals that I work with.
We hope you enjoyed learning a little more about Alyssa! Make sure to follow our page for more staff spotlights in the future!
