Allie Vierra

During our sessions, we will collaborate to identify the best approach to help you in meeting your goals. I utilize interventions that emphasize awareness of the present moment, exercises that integrate the mind and body and encourage focusing on staying with feelings, rather than avoiding them. Through this approach, it will help to rethink limiting perceptions and create new perspectives. I strive to present my genuine true self and encourage you to do the same. My aim is to empower you to become an expert in your personal experience. Your confidence will strengthen as you see your ability to manage life's challenges effectively, identify internal strengths and by utilizing coping strategies that you establish through our work together. Authentic change can only happen when individual feels secure enough to reveal their true selves. Our time together will encompass moments of genuine laughter and enjoyment, but will also involve periods of difficulty and unease. Instead of avoiding these challenging moments, we will learn how to be curious about our feelings, confront them in a safe and supportive way and learn a new approach to handle life’s inevitable obstacles. INSURANCE I currently accept Blue Shield, Blue Cross, Aetna and Oxford and use Headway to aid in navigation with insurances. I hope to be able to accept additional insurance in the near future. For those who would like to utilize their out-of-network benefits from another insurance company in the interim, I will provide a monthly superbill to submit for reimbursement. EDUCATION AND AREAS OF EXPERTISE I obtained my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara. Prior to this, I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. I began my career at a local non-profit family services agency. Over the past four years, I have been the lead therapist for a wraparound justice-involved program through San Luis Obispo County, providing assistance to individuals with chronic homelessness, severe mental illness and substance use disorders. I have more than 7 years of experience working with individuals dealing with addiction, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with preteens, teens, and their families during the challenging developmental years. I have served youth involved in the child welfare system and teens and adults in the criminal justice system. I have completed training in suicide awareness, prevention and management. TEENS Adolescence is an exciting period of growth that can be filled with unexpected challenges. Navigating what feels like uncharted territory can quickly become difficult and may seem unmanageable. Additional support can help lighten the burden of experiencing this stage alone. Through therapy, you and your teen can strengthen your relationship by learning effective skills to enhance communication and tackle obstacles as they arise. I encourage active, collaborative participation. This approach allows teens to identify their goals, clarify their thought processes, and establish strategies for change with a growth mindset. Together, we will highlight your teen’s strengths and explore how they can leverage them for support . I can currently provide therapy in community settings, such as parks or coffee shops, as additional support for teens who find the formality of a traditional therapy office challenging. The key to a successful therapeutic experience is finding the right fit. Please contact me to schedule your initial session and set up a free 15-minute phone consultation. Whether or not we end up working together, I want to acknowledge the strength that it takes to reach out for support.