Allie Wood
ABOUT ME:
I am an LPCC Candidate in counseling psychology from Adler University. My presence as a therapist is empathic and gentle. In addition to being psychoanalytically-informed, I believe in a somatic approach that focuses on feeling safe in your body throughout therapy. Learning to listen to our body's needs and warnings allows us to heal.
If your concern is complex trauma or simply needing help adjusting to life changes, it would be my honor to work with you through the process.
From the time I was a young child I understood that we are connected beings. We impact the world we live in, and likewise, the world we live in impacts us. Alfred Adler describes this process as an individual being both the art and the artist. As we navigate our way through life, often we begin to notice the painful ways our environments and upbringing have impacted us. If this wounding is not honored, it can impact our relationships, health, and sense of self.
I believe this is where therapy can step in and help you find a path towards healing. Intuitively, our bodies have a depth of wisdom that many of us learn to ignore in order to function. Therapy allows you to slow down and, with support, lean into that sense of inner knowledge of yourself and your journey.
BACKGROUND
I am a mom of 5 kids, one of whom has complex medical conditions. The trauma that occurs from caring for a child with a life-threatening illness can live in your body for years. It might show up in painful memories or feeling distant in relationships, or even feeling guilty about simple acts of self-care. My personal experience with medical trauma and gaslighting informs my practice as a therapist. Balancing the anxiety around the care of your child with the need to advocate for their health is a heavy responsibility.
I love working with clients to find ways to honor themselves amid the intensity of caregiving. I see self-care as a caregiver as something that often comes in seasons; during a time when the weight of caregiving is all-consuming, we will establish manageable tools that allow for your brain and heart to relax for a moment. When you have the space and capacity, we can work to unpack stored trauma. If caregiving is among your concerns, my focus is to care for you as a caregiver and honoring the immense work you are doing.
As a child, I grew up in a ministry-focused home. As an adult, I have worked for years to unpack my own spiritual and religious trauma and continue to deconstruct unhealthy faith perspectives. How your faith and spirituality impact your future is a decision that is yours and only yours. What is essential is asking the questions that allow you to find your worth and identity in yourself as a valuable human.
