About Allison

(she/her) Founder, Therapist, Consultant

My journey to becoming a social worker started in an art room. I attended NCSU's College of Design, which led to teaching high school art for several years. Teaching allowed me to find my calling as a therapist and consultant. I graduated from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social work in 2008, and have since pursued certifications in Addictions, Self-Compassion, the work of  Dr. Brené Brown, and yoga as a healing modality. I also have specific training in Emotionally Focused Individual and Family Therapy which is based on attachment theory as well as AEDP, an experiential therapy model that helps heal trauma through corrective emotional experiences.

I specialize in working with adolescents, adults, and families. Some areas of special interest and training include, developmental & complex trauma, anxiety, self-worth, perfectionism, making friends, attachment styles, love addiction, “Social Infertility” (being childfree by circumstance, not by choice), and coaching parents of teens.

My overall belief is that one of the most important parts of the therapeutic process is the relationship between the client and the therapist. In providing a safe and non-judgmental environment, I encourage your own personal empowerment and growth through a relationship built on trust, respect, and compassion.

I also continue to do my own work in therapy on a regular basis, and regularly seek professional consultation from peers and mentors.

Training, Education, and Experience

• Bachelors in Art and Design from North Carolina State University's College of Design

• Masters of Social Work (MSW) from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Social Work

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS)

• Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

• Certified Daring Way™Facilitator (CDFW)-Trained in 2013 directly by Dr. Brené Brown

• Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200)

• In practice as a clinical social worker since 2006

• Former High School Art Teacher

• Trained in Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) through Duke Integrative Medicine

• In-training as a Somatic Experiencing© Practitioner (SEP) for trauma healing and resilience

• Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) trained therapist (Level 1), in AEDP Supervision with Certified AEDP Therapist

• Trained in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) by Dr. Sue Johnson

• Training in: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy

• Polyvagal-informed practice (integrating the nervous system and how it works)—Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and Deb Dana

• Experience in working with, and very affirming of, the LGBTQIA+ community

• Experience in working with, and very affirming of neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, Highly Sensitive People)

• Current Adjunct Professor at the NCSU College of Design— Design Inquiry, Resilience and Growth from Failure, Polyvagal Theory in Teaching and Learning