I love working with all kinds of people, but here are my areas of focus

My specialties

ADHD · Perfectionism · HSPs · Creatives · Young adults · Women

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ADHD

ADHD in adults is often missed or misdiagnosed, especially in people who learned early to mask and overcompensate just to keep up. Many of my clients carry exhaustion and shame from feeling like they’re failing at things that come easily to others, when really their brain just works differently. As someone with ADHD myself, I understand that gap between how capable you know you are and how hard daily life can feel. Together, we build systems that work with your brain, not against it, and make room for real pride in how you’re wired.

A fern frond unfurling in the forest

Young adults

Young adults (ages 18-25) are some of my favorite people to work with. They’re at an existential crossroads where identity, values, career, personality, and lifestyle are being explored and starting to solidify. I respect the overwhelm this can evoke and use a gentle, exploratory approach to help people understand themselves and the path they want to take. Teaching skills and new ways to cope is particularly rewarding at this age, because these changes can radically impact the course of a person’s life for the better.

 

A butterfly resting on a person’s hand

Highly sensitive people (HSP)

Helping sensitive people navigate an insensitive world has become a core passion of mine. There is growing research that sensitivity can have many causes, both from nature (for example, neurodiversity like ADHD and the highly sensitive person trait) and nurture (for example, trauma and chronic invalidation). As a highly sensitive person with ADHD myself, I understand how hard it can be, and I am committed to helping people with similar traits see the strengths in their sensitivity.

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Creatives

My skills working with perfectionism and sensitivity overlap closely with the needs of artists and performers. The vulnerability of being exposed through their work, along with the struggle to find success in a highly competitive world, can cause a pressure that is hard to bear. Being married to a musician and in a touring band with him, I understand many of the complexities that go along with a creative life. In a world that often denigrates their gifts, it is an honor to be a champion of creatives and to help them overcome self-doubt and disappointment and to support their vision coming to life.

White blossoms on a branch in soft light

Women’s health

I use an intersectional, feminist psychology lens to explore the interaction between women’s unique personal histories, biology, and societal pressures. My clients often struggle with self-esteem, assertiveness, indecisiveness, relationships, motherhood and family, work or school, issues around appearance, and sexual health. I help women love themselves, heal from painful histories, and learn skills to build the life they deserve. 

A white water lily floating on dark water

Perfectionism

As a recovering perfectionist, I know the conundrum: it’s so painful, and yet so hard to let go. Most of my clients put immense pressure on themselves. They may be high-achieving, but feel like it’s never enough. Guilt, shame, stress, and burnout are common. I teach them to see that what they’ve achieved is despite perfectionism rather than because of it. Together, we challenge the beliefs (often from childhood or trauma) that keep perfectionism stuck, and find ways to be high-achieving with flexibility, compassion, and self-respect.

Alison sitting in a chair surrounded by plants

Individual therapy

Invest in your future by learning skills that can sustainably change your life.

Services

Alison performing on stage

Speaking engagements

Hire me to help your group learn about DBT, mindful living, sensitivity, validation, and more. Reach out for a full list of offerings.

Questions before getting started? Get in touch.