My name is Allison...
...and I am the clinician behind Driftwood Psychotherapy. My goal is to create a warm and comforting space to facilitate personal growth, deeper understanding of yourself, and radical change to help you live life to the fullest.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Washington (#LW61136321) and certified Perinatal Mental Health specialist with over 8+ years of experience helping people wade through the difficulties of life. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Pepperdine University (2013) and then attended The University of Texas at Austin for my Master of Science in Social Work (2015). I called Texas home for some time and worked in various mental health facilities. I moved to Seattle a short time later and worked in trauma and crisis settings before finding my home as a therapist.
...And I'm A Human
When I'm not in my "therapist chair" you'll find me spending time with my dogs (Tater Tot & Andouille) or with those whom I love most. My summer weekends are spent outside, most often on a trail or at a campsite enjoying the scenery. Food is a passion of mine and I love to taste and savor all of the foods that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I am a huge fan of music and would most likely hear me listening to Death Cab for Cutie on an average day. My go-to comforting TV shows include The Golden Girls, 30 Rock, and RuPaul's Drag Race.
My own personal and professional experiences have led me to become a therapist. It is my honor to share in the struggles and successes of the human experience with you.
Theoretical approaches
Mindful
Self-Compassion
What if you could be kinder to yourself instead of beating yourself when you're down? What if you could meet yourself with grace rather than criticism? Through the art of mindful self-compassion, you can build a greater capacity for self-love and empathy for others.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Do you find yourself stuck in thought patterns that are unhelpful, problematic, or downright self-destructive? The skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can allow you to challenge and change thought patterns to live a more positive life.
Person Centered Therapy
In life and in the therapy room, you are the expert in you. While utilizing Person-Centered Therapy, you will be seen and heard on your road to self-discovery. Discovering who you really are may be the most valuable challenge you have undertaken.
Other Therapies + Approaches
-Perinatal/Postpartum Support
-Health at Every Size (HAES)™
-Psychodynamic Therapy
-Motivational Interviewing
-Mindfulness
-Attachment Theory
-Harm Reduction
-Trauma Informed
-Grief and Loss
-Feminist Therapy
-Anti-Oppressive
-Neurodivergent, Poly/ENM, & LGBTQIA2S+ Affirming
-Multicultural Issues
-The Gottman Method™
Specialized Training + Continuing Education
-Postpartum Support International/2020 Mom Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training
-Postpartum Support International Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Certificate in Psychotherapy
-Certified in Motivational Interviewing™
-Ample and Rooted™ Foundations: Body Liberation and Eating Disorder Training Program
-The Gottman Method™ Level 1
-Mindful Self-Compassion Program
-Screening Brief Intervention and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT)
-Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center Trained (Abuse and Sexual Assault)