About Me
Hi, I'm Alison (She/Her/Hers). Therapy is most effective when there’s a strong connection between client and therapist. Here’s a bit about me—I look forward to getting to know you.
My path to therapy began with my own healing and a desire to help others. Though I originally studied chemistry, I found people more fascinating than molecules and earned my master’s in counseling. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked in a variety of settings, from outpatient care to intensive programs, and ultimately found my home in private practice. Along the way I've held roles in program development, utilization review, compliance (State and Joint Commission), and direct care in intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs.
Outside of my work, I find joy in the outdoors, a good cup of espresso (or two!), my family, kiddos, and dog. I love skiing, hiking, biking, or just sitting by one of the beautiful lakes nearby. In my life before kids, I adventured in the pacific northwest, guiding sea kayaking and dog-mushing tours. I also led canoe trips in the BWCA.
Professionally, I have extensive experience supporting adolescents and adults through a wide range of mental health challenges. I specialize in eating disorders and supporting clients navigating a difficult relationship with food, body, and self. I also work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, or the challenges of difficult and painful experiences. I am inclusive and neuroaffirming, and I welcome clients of all backgrounds, identities, and body sizes.
My approach is grounded in mindfulness, self-awareness, and steady, meaningful change. Therapy isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about developing insight, shifting patterns, and learning to navigate difficult emotions with skill and acceptance. I also "practice what I preach" and find Acceptance and Comittment Therapy not just an intervention but a welcome guide on life's path.
Clients describe me as approachable, patient, compassionate, non-judgmental, and curious. I believe you are the expert in your life—my role is to help you ask the right questions, explore new perspectives, and move toward a life aligned with your values. Change happens through “relentless incrementalism”—small, consistent steps that lead to transformation.
Whether you're a teen figuring out who you are or an adult navigating a pivotal moment, you don't have to have it all figured out to begin. I'm glad you're here.
Located in Excelsior, MN
My office is located in the historic old schoolhouse in Excelsior, MN. Just a block away block away from the shops and restaurants in downtown Excelsior. The shores of beautiful Lake Minnetonka are just around the corner. There is convienient and free parking outside my building. My location offers clients the chance to engage in experiential therapy such as eating, grocery shopping, or trying on clothing all of which can pose significant difficulty if you have an eating disorder. The office is ADA accessible.
About You
Something feels off. Maybe it's been that way for a while. If you're here, you may be looking for relief — from symptoms, from habits or patterns that feel impossible to change, or from a growing sense that you're not living as the person you want to be. You might feel like you're too much, not enough, or incapable of change. Sometimes it may feel like people want to help but miss the mark or just don't "get it."
Perhaps you've struggled in silence for some time and are now seeking a safe space to confront the parts of yourself you'd like to change. Maybe you've tried therapy before — possibly many times — and felt like it didn't help. Maybe therapy has been a lifesaver previously and now you are facing new challenges.
Seeking help can feel especially complicated when it conflicts with family expectations or cultural messages about strength and self-reliance. Whatever brought you here, you don't have to have it figured out to take the next step.
I work with many people who feel exactly this way. You are not broken, you are not your diagnosis, and change is possible. Many people come to therapy feeling hopeless and stuck, but over time, they begin to see shifts — discovering new ways of being, coping, and relating. The process can be slow and nonlinear, but healing happens as you learn to engage with your struggles in a new way and navigate life with more resilience.
If you're a young person reading this: your feelings are valid, your struggles are real, and you get to have a say in your own care.
If you are a caregiver or partner seeking support for a loved one, you may feel defeated, powerless, scared, or frustrated. Watching someone you love struggle — especially without a clear roadmap — can be heartbreaking. This is especially common when a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, OCD, or other conditions that affect insight and motivation. Teens and young adults are often ambivalent about starting therapy, even when parents or caregivers recognize concerning behaviors. I can work with you and your loved one to address this ambivalence and move toward meaningful change. Gaining knowledge, skills, and a deeper understanding of their struggle can help bridge communication gaps and foster recovery.
"Your story is unique, and so is your path to healing. I offer a flexible, responsive, and compassionate approach to recovery."
Credentials
Licensure: LPCC (MN) & LPC (CO & AZ)
I am a fully licensed therapist in MN, CO, and AZ. I can see clients in person or virutally. I have been practicing therapy as a licensed therapist for 15 years.
Certified Eating Disorder Specialist
I have completed extensive training in supporting eating disorder recovery and achieved the Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) credential by the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. I truly specialize in eating disorder therapy. In addition to Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT), I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E) and Family Based Treatment (FBT).
ACT Therapist
My predominant orientation is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I also integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Mindfulness, and Interpersonal Therapy.
Education
I received my bachelor's degree in Chemistry and my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. I am currently completing a graduate certificate in Applied Mindfulness.