Alisa Nowik(She/Her/Hers)

Alisa Castleton Nowik is a psychologist in Berkeley. She works with adults, new parents, couples, and families. Many of Dr. Alisa’s clients come in to address issues such as maternal mental health, transition to parenthood, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. Dr. Alisa is particularly passionate about serving pregnant and postpartum mothers and their families as well as working with LGBTQ+ folks. She also has advanced training in the area of postpartum mood disturbances, adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders.

Dr. Alisa utilizes mindfulness, psychodynamic therapy, feminist therapy, humanistic therapy, family systems, and attachment theory in her work. She works collaboratively with her clients to create a big space for all the feelings and to figure out concrete coping strategies and problem solving. In session, Dr. Alisa focuses on an overall wellness plan for her clients. She uses mindfulness practices, grounding techniques, and an exploration of how the past can influence one's present. This approach supports clients to discharge the big feelings so they can think more clearly about what they want to do and what their options are. Clients are able to acknowledge what is getting in their way of making progress. Clients are able to feel more relaxed and supported and not so alone with their struggles.

Dr. Alisa's style is warm, engaging, and active. When clients first start therapy, she establishes a strong connection and appreciation for the client and their full self and what they're up against.

Dr. Alisa received her Psy.D. from California School of Professional Psychology. She worked primarily as a child psychologist before focusing her practice on maternal mental health. Outside of private practice, she enjoys hiking in the East Bay hills with her wife, daughter and dog. Dr. Alisa is currently offering remote therapy sessions.