About Allyson:

From a young age I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to making a difference in people’s lives. I was one of those lucky people who felt a true calling for my future. 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. At some point, my body had enough and could no longer over-function in such a parentified role. Due to this (and many other factors such as being one of the few people of color in my very white suburban hometown), I developed anorexia as well as severe body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). 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. I never want my clients to feel as alone as I did- and I certainly don’t want anyone to suffer in silence as long as I did.

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 is rooted in a psychodynamic, feminist and relational style. 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) when requested. I also practice harm reduction for Eating Disorders and offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. What I love about all of these techniques is they honor your agency, wisdom and self trust. Self trust and returning home to yourself is an essential part of healing from both eating disorders and OCD. 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.

A quote that sums up how I view the mechanism of change in therapy is:

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate” -Carl Jung.

In a nutshell, we reclaim our life narrative, personal agency, needs, emotions, values and true passions when we live consciously and intentionally. Compassion for ourselves and others blossoms. 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.

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.