Aly Thompson (she/her)

It can feel so difficult to overcome trauma, abuse, depression/anxiety, or chronic pain/illness, but it is possible. I know this to be true from my own lived experience, so I have dedicated my professional life to helping adult individuals (18yo+) like you navigate these challenges. I have a diverse clinical background working with a variety of clients like you seeking support through a broad spectrum of psychological, medical, academic, spiritual, and social challenges. Today, my work with individuals is highly informed by the extensive training I’ve completed at The Allender Center for processing trauma through story telling. Additionally, I have experience that spans from working as a school counselor, to working individually in private practice settings with children, adolescents, adults, and couples, to participating on an interdisciplinary team within intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization psychiatric facilities for severely mentally ill adult and geriatric patients.

I have always been a storyteller. And it is in the telling of stories that I experience life, joy, and even rest, so I pursued musical theater in college. But after undergoing an unsuccessful and traumatic surgery on my vocal cords, and the loss of my identity as a performer, I began to experience frequent panic attacks, and relentless insomnia. I felt extremely out of control and alone. But one day, I found myself at the campus counseling center, longing to tell my own story, and for my voice to be heard once again. Maybe you’ve had an experience that left you feeling like this, too. With time, a lot of gentleness and kindness, and curiosity and wondering, I finally received the care I had longed for. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be a therapist. I felt hope beginning to return to me, and could see that that there was so much more life for me. It is my hope that I could offer to you what was offered to me- restoration of light and life.