Do you pride yourself on doing what needs to be done and on keeping on top of things but find yourself falling behind and not being able to keep up with the expectations you’ve set for yourself?

Do you find that even when you keep up with your to do list you find yourself feeling like you haven’t done enough, or you haven’t done a good enough job?

Is it hard to allow yourself to take a break? Do you not know what taking a break may look like for you?

Does relaxation sound good in theory but unattainable in actuality?

Do you find yourself going over interactions from the day and questioning what you said or how you might have been perceived?

Does the energy you put into thinking about what you could have done differently or better leave you feeling exhausted?

Do you enjoy spending time with friends but also have a sense of dread leading up to social interactions?

Do your worries and anxiety feel oppressive?

 Do feelings of sadness arise that feel confusing and overwhelming? Do you tend to try to push “negative” feelings away and hope that in doing so you will eventually feel happy?

Are you going through a transition that is hard to navigate? Does change feel scary to you?

Would you like to feel more connected to others, and to have meaningful interactions that replenish you rather than exhaust you?

 Are you confused about how to make changes so that you can allow yourself to relax, free yourself up to enjoy life more, and experience connecting with others without worry?

I help adults of all ages who are experiencing excessive worrying, anxiety, depression, insomnia, lack of self-confidence, low self esteem, and relationship difficulties. I recognize that it can feel vulnerable to reach out for assistance, and to engage in therapy, and am mindful of this difficulty. I provide a safe place to express and explore feelings and thoughts. I listen carefully to what is being expressed, and help my patients to develop an awareness of patterns that have developed which were adaptive at one point, but that are no longer benefitting them. I help my patients to cultivate a sense of curiosity about themselves, and to develop a manner of relating to themselves that is more supportive and less critical. I believe that making authentic emotional contact with one’s self and with others is something to be worked towards, and that being able to experience feelings and to think about and understand them leads to healing and relief.

I work with patients at least weekly, and have found that patients who are open to being seen twice a week or more often, appreciate the opportunity to work on themselves in a more in depth manner. Therapy can be difficult as it gets us in contact with unexamined pain, but in allowing oneself to experience the range of human feelings, and to better understand them, true change and growth can occur.

I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Multicultural and Community Clinical Psychology. I also have advanced training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, and in Contemporary Psychoanalysis. I continuously aim to grow as a therapist, through coursework, supervision, consultation, reading, and my own therapy.

I opened my private practice in 2012, and prior to that have had experience in community mental health, college counseling, and workers’ compensation treatment. I find that most people benefit from and appreciate working longer term, but I have also successfully worked with patients in shorter term therapy when this is indicated. When indicated and desired, I offer a deeper therapeutic experience to those struggling with anxiety, depression, lack of confidence, and relationship difficulties, as well as to those facing experiences of change, such as entering adulthood, pregnancy, new parenting, switching careers, divorce, grief, and health or injury challenges.

Call Dr. Alison, Therapist Los Angeles for a free 15 minute telephone consultation at (805)300-6719