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.