Alison Thirkield, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, MA & NY
For over 20 years, I have had the privilege to help people move from struggles and pain to a life that is more fulfilling and resilient. I provide integrative, evidence based therapy for adults facing a wide array of emotional and behavioral difficulties. I specialize in treating trauma-related issues, as well as anxiety, mood disorders, insomnia, nightmares, problematic coping skills, anger issues, substance abuse, life transitions, and grief.
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My therapy approach blends the compassion and deep listening of traditional psychotherapy with scientifically validated treatment protocols. But at the center of our work is you – your history, your concerns, your strengths, and your goals will determine the path we take. Many of the therapies I use are time-limited, getting you to a more balanced and rewarding life in several months, instead of years. After completing a course of therapy, some clients then decide to continue a longer course of therapy, to address another area of concern, or for ongoing support and growth.
My interpersonal style is compassionate, collaborative, curious, direct, and often light-hearted. Therapy is about more than “getting over” past events: we work to reprocess and lay to rest memories of trauma or pain, when that's a factor; develop new healthy patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting; build effective skills for riding out life’s challenges; and weave this work together so you can move forward in new ways, to a more fulfilling life that meets your values and goals. My career has focused on providing outpatient psychotherapy to adults, from 18-80+, struggling with a wide array of mental health concerns, many of them involving past trauma. I have also helped develop and implement outpatient and residential treatment programs for individuals dealing with trauma-related
mental health concerns; consulted to hospitals, schools, and medical groups; acted as psychology consultant to service animal organizations; developed whole health programs for organizations; and provided training and supervision to new
psychologists in the practice of general and trauma-focused therapy.