Alyson Davis
Hi! I am Alyson Davis, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am a millennial and military brat that grew up in Northern Virginia. Currently, I reside in Maryland and have licenses in both Maryland and Virginia. I am taking clients in both states via telehealth. For undergrad, I attended the University of Alabama (ROLL TIDE!) and for my graduate education and clinical training I practiced at Valdosta State University.
A personal joy of mine is working with Black clients who are first-timers in therapy to work on destigmatizing mental health and healing the impacts of white supremacy.
The therapeutic modality I use the most often is Narrative Therapy. Using Narrative Therapy, I help clients change the problem stories in their heads to preferred stories to improve their behaviors, relationships, and life outlook. With this practice, I enjoy using journal prompts, metaphors, and media. I am not a trained Christian therapist, but I do identify as a Christian, and enjoy using all religion and spirituality in my practice, but it is not required. I am LGBTQ-IA+ affirming and believe in honoring and creating space for all identities in session. A personal joy of mine is working with Black clients who are first-timers in therapy to work on destigmatizing mental health and healing the impacts of white supremacy. More specifically, I prioritize supporting Black clients who grew up in predominantly White spaces who did not feel "Black enough." My favorite problem to work with is when someone says "I'm stuck," to help a client not only get moving but move in a healthy direction. In my personal life, I am married, am a mother to a sickle cell warrior son, have a wonderful bonus-daughter and playful Aussiedoodle. That being said, I have an appreciation for working with blended families and exploring dating post-divorce. For self-care I enjoy writing fiction, listening to 90's and 2000s R&B, and watching romcoms. Looking forward to helping your healing journey.
First session
In the first session clients can expect rapport building. My interest is to understand clients meaning behind the problem and their beliefs about it. What I would like to know is-- why now? What does a client think therapy is, who is it for, and what do they expect from me as the therapist? Do they perceive their issues are long-term problems? How do they know the problem is the problem? What is their perception of change, and the possibility that the problem can decrease and/or be eliminated.
Strengths
Quarter-Life Crisis: Transitional stages of development from young adulthood to career path and creation of a chosen family. Womanhood: Empowering dreams overshadowed by traditional gender norms both generational and societal. Relationships: Healthy patterns and boundaries for building platonic and romantic relationships. Spiritual Trauma: Restoring the relationship with your higher power and identity as a spiritual being. Elders: Deconstructing internalized ageism and creating fluid view of aging End of Life Care: Creating the narrative of a “Good Death,” alleviating stigma and fear of transitioning from the natural realm
Ideal clients
Individuals 18+, primarily I have worked with young adult, middle aged, and elder women. I work with all ages and personally enjoy working with individuals 65+. My hope is to de-stigmatize services for Black clients for their first time in therapy who have previously believed the stereotype "keep feelings in the house" or "pray it away." I would love to have multiple Black women on my caseload. For perspective Christian clients who question if counseling aligns with their faith, it is possible to have both Jesus and Therapist. Also, survivors of religious trauma, or those who are queer and subscribe to a religious/ spiritual practice. Not currently accepting additional couples clients at this time due to reached capacity so I have removed it from my specialties list. I enjoy couples work, however I only take a limited number. Will update couples availability when I have couples specific openings. Thank you for your understanding.
Origin story
I love relational health. When I was completing my undergraduate studies in Public Relationships and Communications Studies, I enjoyed the interpersonal communication coursework the most. Elective classes in sociology and psychology completely captivated me. When working in Membership Services for nonprofits, I enjoyed maintaining client relationships by not focusing on the product being sold, but rather human connection. I can attest, it works. My faith, the media/content I consume, my creative writing all encapsulated my passion for relationship work. When determining to go back to graduate school I had impostor syndrome, ans a sense of inferiority due to not having a psychology specific background. However, wise mentors and professors reinforced the notion that some people will rely on books, exams and papers to build a skillset, but some people will also discover natural abilities and lived experiences that are vital for this work (shout out to Jen, Hoa, and Kacy). Through both education and my internal strengths, I found my purpose. I feel like therapy is my professional soulmate. I have never felt so strongly about a career than I do this one. When I think specifically of Black girls who never quite felt "Black enough," I have doing this for you.
Ongoing work together
Clients will know they are making progress through decreased distressing symptoms, improved relational dynamics, and cultivation of healthy habits and thought patterns.
Treatment methods
Narrative
Narrative Therapy is my primary modality and method of treatment. I specifically took a Narrative Therapy course in graduate school, my graduate comps and clinical orientation are based in Narrative Therapy, and I utilize trainings and information from the Narrative Therapy Institute.
Location
Virtual sessions