About Allyson:

Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to get into a career path that would make a difference in people’s lives. I grew up watching several family members struggle with mental illness including substance use disorder, anxiety and depression. Then, in my late teens I developed a life threatening eating disorder. Little did I know I was also struggling with a lifelong battle of OCD- I wasn’t aware until much later in life due to stigma and misconceptions about OCD. After going through my own recovery, I became even more determined to help others as I experienced first hand how life changing and incredibly hard 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 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 practice therapy. 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 both of these techniques is they honor your agency, wisdom and self trust. 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.

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.