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.
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.