Allison (Al) Stevens, MSW, LICSW (she/they)
Hey, I’m Al! I believe that neurodivergent people shouldn’t be an add-on or after-thought to traditional therapies not designed for our brains in the first place. As a queer, Autistic, and ADHD individual myself, I bring professional and lived experience into the therapy space. I am passionate about helping you create a neurodivergent-friendly life which works for you. I strive to create a welcoming environment for understanding, healing, empowerment, and the freedom to be yourself. Movement, stimming, info-dumping, as well as your interests and passions are encouraged and celebrated in sessions.
I apply a bottom-up approach to therapy, addressing emotions and regulation starting with body-based awareness, interoception, nervous system regulation, and sensory experiences before engaging in cognitive and emotional processing. I utilize play-based, creative, and expressive outlets through activities such as games, lego building, music, and arts/crafts. Additionally, I incorporate movement, sensory tools, visual aids, and psychoeducation.
My approach is collaborative and person-centered, meaning I adapt our sessions to your specific strengths, needs, and goals. As a therapist, I bring intentional flexibility through adapting therapeutic modalities, techniques, and strategies to fit neurodivergent brains. Whether it is exploring and addressing sensory needs and preferences, incorporating multimodal communication, acknowledging neuro-minority stress, or using special interests in metaphors and analogies… Together, we will create a therapy journey that resonates with you.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and dogs, reading, playing video games, and singing. Some of my special interests include music and animals.
Specialities: Neurodivergence (Autistic and ADHD), LGBTQ+, Persistent Drive for Autonomy, Rejection Sensitivity, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Low Demand Parenting, Safe and Sound Protocol, Children, Adolescents, Transition Age and their parents/families
