Alison Forster

Hi, I'm Alison Forster, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges, build emotional resilience, and create meaningful change. I understand that college and young adulthood can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you're managing academic pressures, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, family expectations, or uncertainty about your future, you don't have to figure everything out on your own. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. I believe that building a trusting therapeutic relationship is essential to meaningful growth. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and comfortable being yourself. I draw from evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques. I tailor treatment to your individual needs, helping you better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns while developing practical tools to manage stress, improve relationships, establish healthy boundaries, and build confidence. I also recognize how family dynamics, past experiences, and relationship patterns can influence how we see ourselves and navigate the world. Together, we can explore these influences, identify what may be holding you back, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. My style is conversational, supportive, and interactive. I don't believe therapy should be a one-size-fits-all experience. I value authenticity, curiosity, and a little humor when appropriate. While I offer empathy and understanding, I also provide honest feedback, encouragement, and practical strategies you can use outside of our sessions. Above all, I believe therapy is about helping you develop a stronger sense of self, feel more empowered in your choices, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. I look forward to supporting you on your journey.