Hi, I'm Allison (she/her) and I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a wife, mother, and holistic health enthusiast. I enjoy a good DIY project, going for a coffee and croissant, and walks with my family (and dog Mochi, in the cooler months). I am a Clinical Social Worker, therapist, and private practice owner in Austin, Texas.
I am passionate about creating a safe, therapeutic space where you can feel understood, process complex trauma, unlearn doctrine that no longer supports you, reevaluate your values, and reframe your life purpose. I want to help you process through spiritual abuse and religious trauma and be the safe place where it's okay to question, deconstruct, heal, and ultimately find wings that take you into your future with a new sense of purpose and identity.
I want to hold space for you, coming alongside you as you process through whatever degree of trauma you have experienced. No topics are off limits and I am an affirming LGBTQ+ ally. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been a therapist for 7+ years working with adolescents and adults suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and spiritual abuse and religious trauma. I have a Bachelors of Social Work from Bethel College in North Newton, KS, and a Masters of Social Work from Texas State University.
I have previously been involved in faith communities where many values held did not sit right within me. I’ve personally experienced hurtful encounters with individuals who used their power and position to shame and silence, and have lost community because I didn’t choose their belief system any longer.
I experienced the transformative power of being in relationship and community with people who do what they say they will do. They listen without judgment and don’t have motives to correct your belief system. Finding just one connection to someone who you can trust to hear you and validate you, can be incredibly impactful.
Often, the fears of questioning, challenging, or even leaving your belief system behind can be terrifying. I have experienced parts of this in my own life and can identify with the anxiety and isolation that comes with it. The process of learning to own your own spirituality may feel confusing and even lead to worries and insecurities about what this means for your life.
Identifying the right therapist to process spiritual abuse or religious trauma can be tricky. You may be looking for a Christian who understands the nuances of this issue, but not looking for spiritual guidance. You need a therapist who has experience with trauma, anxiety and depression, but that also specializes in religious trauma and church hurt. I want to use my passion and skills in a way that combines all these needs, allowing a more holistic healing journey that addresses all parts of who you are.
It is likely that when seeking self-transformation within your belief system, that you will receive harsh criticism, be called a fraud, have your experiences belittled or feel gaslighted. This unique trauma is complex and can feel unsafe to speak to a religious counselor about. You need your therapist to specialize in and understand the nuances this issue brings, while feeling trust and safety when being vulnerable.
I desire to create a space where unlearning, reframing, and self-discovery is embraced and in a safe relationship, healing can take place.
