ALLYSE “ALLY” NELSON
LCSW
Do these thoughts sound familiar? "I'm not enough" "Everything is too hard" "What if I fail?" "I don't matter". The first thing you need to know is that you are not alone in these thoughts. The second thing you need to know is that your brain is being rude. Not cool, brain.
My passion and purpose is to help people who struggle with anxiety (perfectionism, shame, self doubt, etc.) to develop healthy coping skills and new thought patterns so they can feel calm, confident, and capable. Maybe these old patterns served a purpose at one time, but the fact that you’re here today tells me that you don’t need them anymore! I want to empower you through self care, self compassion, and lots of self love to connect back to your worth.
You are the expert on you. My job is to help you tap into that expertise. I do this by offering skills from Mindfulness, CBT, REBT, and additional approaches based on your needs. If you come to therapy with a willingness to be vulnerable and an open mind, you will experience peace and healing. Maybe your brain will even start being cool to you? It’s obvious to me how incredibly capable you are. Throughout the process of this mental health work, I think you’ll come to a similar conclusion: You got this. But I’m here for the times that you need an extra reminder.
-Currently not accepting new clients
MORE ABOUT ALLY
Pronouns: she/her/hers
TREATMENT APPROACH
My approach to treatment is designed to meet you where you are, while integrating new thought patterns and behaviors that better serve you. Together we develop a plan and set goals to help you feel your best. I use a variety of treatment modalities as part of this plan to help us identify and develop the most effective coping skills for your wellbeing.
SPECIALITIES
● Anxiety
● Social anxiety
● Perfectionism
● Shame management
● Trauma / PTSD
● Depression
● Self-esteem, self-worth, confidence
● Overall wellness
AGE OF SPECIALTY
Young Adults
Adults
TYPES OF THERAPY
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Dialectical Behavioral (DBT) / Mindfulness
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Trauma Focused
Strengths Based Perspective
“You know what happens to people who keep it all inside? They get old and they get sad and they get weird.”
Jessica Day, New Girl
KNOW YOUR THERAPIST
WHAT DID YOU GET YOUR DEGREE(S) IN AND WHERE FROM?
I earned my Bachelor's of Social Work from Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2016 and my Master’s of Social Work from Boise State University in 2018.
SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
I have worked with a wide range of populations including children, teens, and adults. I’ve worked in a mix of settings from elementary school counseling to facilitating therapeutic groups at the county jail. I’ve treated anxiety, substance addiction, depression, autism, trauma, eating disorders, anger issues and a variety of other mental health concerns. My diverse work history helped me to realize that my passion lies with helping people (especially women) heal from anxiety, trauma, and low self worth.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A THERAPIST?
My family has a long history of mental illness stretching back for generations. My mom was the first person to seek out help for her mental health and I was able to see the profound impacts it had on myself and my family. My mom’s courage in the healing process, plus my own experiences in therapy, led me to develop a passion for mental health and helping people to live their very best lives.
WHATS YOUR THERAPEUTIC APPROACH?
I create a therapeutic environment guided by my core values:
Compassion- Seeing the best in each person and understanding their perspective
Creativity- Thinking outside the box to find the best coping skills for your needs
Humor- Finding small reasons to laugh and smile with you in the tough moments of this healing work
Peace- Creating a calm and relaxed environment
Simplicity- Keeping things bite sized and realistic
WHAT KIND OF HOMEWORK OR ASSIGNMENTS DO YOU GIVE CLIENTS?
The purpose of homework is to practice the skills that we’re discussing in treatment. You and I can decide together what kind of homework feels best each week. No stress if you aren’t able to get the homework done though! It’s only for you and your healing, no grades involved.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST SESSION WITH YOU?
You might have to watch an episode of a funny show (like The Office or Parks and Rec), because it’s very likely I will quote at you. Sometimes, I can’t help it.
But really, if there was ever an appointment to feel stressed about, this is not it. My goal is to help you feel safe, calm, and hopeful in resolving your concerns. If you feel like it’s not a good fit let’s work together to find someone that’s best for you.
Therapy is the bomb. Prepare to feel heard and excited about the healing process.