Hello! My name is Allison, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I earned my Master's degree in 2011 and have been working in the field ever since. I provide individual therapy to people who are feeling overwhelmed with the stress and responsibilities that are on their plate. I can especially relate to working professionals and parents of young children as that is my lived experience. I offer evening sessions to accommodate a busy schedule. Please note that my focus is on individual therapy and I am not accepting new referrals for couples or family therapy at this time.
Initially, we will create a safe and empathetic space for you to be your genuine self in our therapy sessions and explore the reason(s) you decided to start this process. This foundation of trust will allow us to have an honest conversation about the hurdles you are facing and what strengths you have to move towards your goals.
I have a strong focus to make my clients feel seen, heard, and validated. It is important that each unique individual feel this regardless of disadvantages they've had in life or mistakes they have made. Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and I strive to make our therapy sessions a place for that.
Do you know that scene from Encanto where Luisa is singing about how the pressure of helping her family is crushing her, and her eye starts twitching from the stress? If you immediately recognized this movie and related to feeling overwhelmed, you are likely a good fit. I would like to provide individual therapy for those who need a safe space to retreat from the stress of their daily life. I also enjoy working with those who are going through an adjustment or loss.
My preference is to work from a client-centered and strength-based approach. These styles of therapy place you in the driver's seat to explore your inner world and worldly goals. These methods allow me to meet you where you are at on your journey and help empower you to make positive changes in your life. Our focus is on your abilities instead of your self-perceived deficits and your agency in the therapy process. The client-centered approach allows us to have a judgement free collaboration to genuinely explore your circumstances, concerns, and goals. While these are my preferences, I have training in many different treatment modalities which I use to tailor your treatment plan as every client is unique.