Allison Ray Benavides,LCSW

Do you have intrusive symptoms? These can be feelings of shame that arise out of nowhere. Or memories we aren't trying to think of. For some, it's unproductive thoughts that go round and round. Or chronic pain or fatigue. Or a negative inner critic that can't seem to keep their opinions to themselves.

Often PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic, chronic physical pain and illness show up together. Often these symptoms make it hard to show up to life. We can learn to turn down the dial that pushes us outside our window of tolerance. As an experienced medical social worker (now in private practice), I pay attention to symptoms of distress, noting frequency and severity. We'll assess what's going on, target your suffering, and find effective interventions to practice together.

My methods are simple, targeted and effective. I've been trained in the following modalities that work very well:
- Pain Reprocessing Therapy
- EMDR
- Internal Family System
- EFT, aka "tapping"
- Vagus Nerve Theory
- CBT
- Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
- Buddhist Psychology and Mindfulness

I am intimately informed by alternative and complimentary healing methods as well, including:
- Reiki and other healing touch modalities
- Yoga
- The Wise Woman Herbalism Tradition
- Jungian and Depth Psychologies
- The sacred through any voice

My Client's are often attracted to my nurturing, holistic approach. I also like to laugh a lot. Many are curious about exploring how to incorporate the sacred or non-ordinary states of consciousness into their healing. Many are living in pain or coping with a chronic illness. Many are in the last part of their life. Often I work with young women or men in therapy for the first time. And often I find myself working with other therapists.

I am currently accepting new Clients. Email me at araybenavides@gmail.com to schedule a consult. Looking forward to connecting :)