Biography
Alyssa Banford Witting joined the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) faculty at BYU in 2017. Before coming to BYU, Alyssa was an Associate Professor in the Couple and Family Therapy program at Alliant International University, San Diego since the fall of 2013. She obtained her master’s in MFT from Auburn University in 2009 and her PhD in MFT from Texas Tech University in 2011. She then completed a one year post-doctoral fellowship in MFT followed by a one year appointment as a visiting assistant professor of MFT, both at the University of Connecticut.
Research Interests
My research interest broadly encompasses processes and resources which sustain trauma symptoms as well as aid rehabilitation in trauma affected populations. I tend to utilize stress and resource theories as my foundational lens in examining these issues.My emphasis of topical interest is in mass trauma events. Specifically, I am interested in the relational, contextual, and socio-cultural issues which influence trauma symptoms and recovery in individuals, families, and communities affected by natural disaster. I have conducted research in Sri Lanka and the US with disaster and war affected populations.
Teaching Interests
Alyssa enjoys clinical supervision, teaching student therapists to work with clients experiencing trauma symptoms. She also enjoys teaching MFT theory and technique, research methods, statistics, and cross cultural family development.Education
- PhD, MFT , Texas Tech University (2011)
- MS, MFT , Auburn University (2009)
- BS, Marriage, Family & Human Development , BYU (2007)
Licenses and Certifications
- Utah Division of Occupational Licensing , Marriage and Family Therapy License (2014 - 2024)
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists, AAMFT Approved Supervisor (2012 - 2023)
Memberships
- American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (2007 - Present)
- National Council on Family Relations (2007 - Present)
- Society for Prevention Research (2017 - 2018)
- American Psychological Association, Division 56, Trauma Psychology (2013 - 2016)
Professional Citizenship
- Editorial Review Board Member, Contemporary Family Therapy (2020 - Present)
- Editorial Review Board Member, Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (2017 - Present)
- Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer, Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy (2015 - Present)
- Committee/Council Chair, NCFR Family Therapy Section (2022 - 2028)
- Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer, Contemporary Family Therapy (2012 - 2019)
- Other, Contemporary Family Therapy (2017 - 2018)
- Reviewer, Ad Hoc Reviewer, Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (2012 - 2016)
- Conference-Related Role, International Violence Abuse and Trauma summit