Testimonials

 

As a therapist, i don’t ask therapy clients for testimonials.

Sometimes, however, a client will write me an email or send a card, and I will ask permission to print their words on this page. I do ask for testimonials from workshop and retreat participants, and some of those are listed here as well.

Coming in to the retreat, I was very anxious and doubtful that it might not work for me. Now that I’m done with the retreat writing this, I’m so filled with gratitude and joy. This retreat is truly transformational. I was able to really tap into my inner child and process so much unresolved pain and issues that have been holding me back my entire life in a way like I’ve never done before.
— Khadijah, San Francisco, CA
Transformative is a severe understatement. I am renewed, empowered, encouraged, and restored in ways I only imagined could happen over a weekend. Alison has created such a nurturing environment and agenda with the tenderness and empathy I longed for.
— J.P., Vancouver, WA
Alison has a magical touch that has helped me heal old traumatic wounds. She is extremely empathetic, endlessly kind, funny and exudes warmth. I am forever grateful to have worked with her as she is the very best.
— A. from Aptos
This retreat is outstanding. You go deep into healing tools for your inner child...I leave it with confidence, commitment & tools to work closely with Fanou, my inner child for a healthy future.
— Stephan Lizou, Anthem, AZ
Alison created a warm, safe, and cozy space for us to delve deep into our childhood trauma and sadness. It was equally a space to experience connection, joy, and laughter with our group mates and inner children. Before this workshop I was a little scared on my inner child; I worried I had let her down, that she didn’t like me, and that she would not forgive me. Since doing the workshop I feel much more confident in my ability to love and to help her, as well as those around me. It was a profound experience of connection and love. Alison is a master and I couldn’t think of a better person to guide this work!
— L.P., Santa Cruz, CA
Alison’s sensitivity and empathy towards others is what makes her a great therapist as well as an effective group leader. Alison’s kindness and compassion made me feel safe as she gently guided me through my healing journey.
— M.M. of Santa Cruz, CA
 
Your natural, humble way leaves space for mistakes and a welcome feeling to not have to prove anything or be on edge with judgement. A willingness and openness to do anything anyone may have needed so as to benefit their path towards healing/opening. Your child like way matched with your professional backing makes for an ideal counselor of your profession.
— D., Santa Cruz, CA
I felt some real tenderness for my little one.
— O., Santa Cruz, CA
I loved all the questions for helping me connect with my Inner Child and able to get in touch with my sadness, crying with tears was good.
— L., Santa Cruz, CA
You hold a safe, magical space for our inner children to feel accepted and loved for who they are, which is what they all need and models for us how to treat them.
You give us gentle, effective, accessible tools to connect to the innocent child within, to see what she wants and needs, and to bring healing to those aspects of ourselves that need it and are ready.
Thanks for your expertise, your vulnerability, and support.
— Dr. Tiffany Fullmer, DC
How did the Intensive impact you?
I feel seen and heard for something I very often minimized or deemed as not a big deal for most of my life. I also feel like I got to heal parts of me that were broken or cracked through my alcoholism that I also minimized or didn’t want to see. I feel like a part of me has been able to finally breathe again.
Do you feel different than before the Intensive?
I feel like I opened up something and that I have way more awareness of my needs and my inner child’s needs.
What did you learn about your Inner Child?
So so much. I learned she just wants to be held, seen, heard, loved, appreciated, and touched. She needs to feel a part of and not alone and that part of that is my responsibility. She also needed a space to freely express herself and her needs and be angry and not be judged by the world for that.
— Jordan
How did the Intensive impact you?
That would be hard to put into words. It impacted me both emotionally and physically. Being able to listen to the experiences of others was very profound. I was surprised by how much what each person shared resonated with me. We all had such different experiences growing up and yet everyone felt very connected. It was a very touching experience. Having two facilitators to hold the space felt hugely impactful. Overall I think it reminded me of how sacred life is and how important it is to treat one another with care.

Do you feel different now than you did before the Intensive? How?
I do. I feel a bit lighter and more confident. I feel much more able to engage with others, which is something that had started to feel nearly impossible for me after the pandemic. I have not had the energy or will to interact with others openly in a very long time and I feel like this retreat cleared a lot of that stuckness out. I feel reinvigorated and inspired.
— Sarah T., Santa Cruz
Hi!
I was just thinking about how fortunate I am to have worked with you over the years. You are exceptional at what you do and I know I worked through a ton of life stuff with your assistance.
Thank you for your glow!
— Tina S., Santa Cruz, CA
These workshops have assisted me in having the clarity and intention to start doing the work I feel I was meant to — in helping others know their Inner Child.
— Drop-in Group Participant, Santa Cruz, CA
This was one of the best retreats of my life. Alison provided such a safe and well guided space that I really was able to feel completely comfortable in my own skin and open up and do the work. Thank you so much.
— OM, Santa Cruz, CA