“I feel lost and alone.”

“No one truly understands me.”

“There is a disconnect between who I am and who I want to be.”

"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they're never weakness." — Brené Brown

 

You Belong Here.

These thoughts and feelings may seem overwhelming, but there is hope. Each of us has a unique story with a collection of experiences, emotions, and identities. Even though we face challenges in our lives, we don’t have to feel stuck forever.

 
 

My Therapeutic Approach

I believe everyone is capable of growth, finding meaning in their life, and becoming more aligned with who they want to be. In therapy, I prioritize using a person-centered approach by listening deeply to my clients and their story to better understand their unique goals and challenges. In my work, I integrate several theoretical lenses such as existential, narrative, and acceptance and commitment therapy to best support my clients’ individual needs. Whether starting therapy for the first time or returning to therapy after a hiatus, I aim to cultivate an environment in which empathy, compassion, and authenticity are woven throughout the therapeutic space. I believe that intersectionality plays a critical role in identity, and I am affirming of all LGBTQIA+ and cultural identities. Through collaboration, I am passionate about supporting my clients to achieve their goals and empowering them to live more authentically.

To see if we are a good fit, you can email, call/text me, or fill out this form to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation. I look forward to meeting you.

 

More about me:

My name is Alison, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) here in the beautiful state of Colorado. I was born and raised in Maryland and spent many summers visiting my grandparents who lived in Fort Collins. While I loved growing up on the East Coast, I knew I wanted to shift gears and pursue my master’s degree at the University of Denver. Throughout my life, I have been passionate about social justice, destigmatizing mental health, and fostering supportive environments for myself and others. In my free time, I am often found reading a new book, watching documentaries, or hanging out with my cat, Juniper. I am an avid learner and believe that we never stop growing, exploring, and learning throughout our lives. I look forward to getting to know you and exploring how I can support your personal journey in our work together.

 

Education:

Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology - University of Denver

Bachelor of Science - Psychology and Religious Studies - St. Mary’s College of Maryland

License:

Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate - Colorado License # LPCC.0020639

PRESENTATIONS:

Williams, E. N., & Shimoda, A. (2018, August). Problematic empathy in counseling and psychotherapy. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA.

Publications:

Shimoda, A., & Williams, E. N. (2018). Problematic empathy in counseling and psychotherapy. Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy.

Trainings:

Growing Up with Traumatic Grief

Psychological First Aid (PFA)