Allyson Inez Ford, MA, LPCC

About Allyson (she/her):

From a young age I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to making a difference in people’s lives. I grew up watching several family members struggle with mental illness and addiction. I was always the ‘strong’ one, holding it all together, thinking that I could protect my family members from their emotions and triggers- if only I was good enough. This pursuit left no room for my own emotions and needs, if I had them, I shoved them down and put on a smile instead. This paved the way for anorexia, which helped me numb how I really felt inside: scared, anxious, out of control.

At first the eating disorder gave me a sense of purpose, a pseudo confidence and a sense of worthiness. In reality, it destroyed my health and relationships. Life became dull, grey and painfully monotonous. I was no longer the adventurous, goofy, outgoing, carefree person everyone knew me to be. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was also struggling with OCD- I wasn’t aware until much later in life due to stigma and misconceptions about OCD.

After going through my own recovery (which was years long, brutally hard and yet deeply rewarding), I became even more determined to help others as I experienced first hand how life changing and utterly terrifying recovery is. I also realized how much stigma there is around mental health and how many barriers to quality care exist within the treatment industry. It is my mission to do what I can, to change this.

Additionally, I am mixed race, queer and neurodivergent. I am also a parent. These important aspects of my identity have shaped my life experiences and influence the ways in which I show up as a therapist. Due to my own experiences with things like racism, sexism and ableism, I don’t shy away from these topics as they come up in therapy. I consider myself an activist outside of my therapist role, and view parenting as a powerful way to shape the next generation into a more equal, liberated society.

My Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic approach is rooted in a relational psychodynamic and feminist therapy approach. My clients describe me as warm, caring, genuine and relatable. I often use techniques from IFS, ACT, Psychodynamic Therapy, I-CBT and ERP (for OCD). I also practice harm reduction for Eating Disorders and offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. What I love about all of these approaches is they honor your agency, wisdom and self trust.

Another foundation of healing is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. We experience trauma in relationships, and we also heal in relationship. Therapy can provide a secure attachment, which becomes the foundation of a healthy sense of self. The goal is also to begin building secure attachments in your everyday life.

I believe we reclaim our life narrative, personal agency, emotions, values and true passions when we live consciously, intentionally and within secure relationships. The ripple effects of conscious relating are truly profound. To get here, we must go to the root of our suffering, which is indeed a painful journey. To help along the way, I like incorporating behavioral and cognitive techniques to help you cope with the distress this process brings.

I truly care for all of my clients, and work diligently to help them recover and reclaim agency over their lives. There are few greater joys for me than watching a client find healing and personal freedom.

This work is so meaningful to me and I am honored to be considered a part of your healing journey.