Therapy asks you to show up and be vulnerable with a professional, but a stranger. So you are probably wondering: Who am I? Can you trust me to help you with the most painful and difficult parts of your life?
Allison Strausberg, LCSW
(she/they)
My Approach:
I am passionate about using highly effective therapy methods to cultivate meaningful change and healing in people’s lives. My collaborative approach integrates evidence-based methods with compassion, humor, and attuned listening. I welcome long silences, fast-paced intensity, and everything in between.
I trust you as the expert of your own experience and I encourage you to tell me when I am getting something wrong. Together, we will explore past experiences and what is happening in the here and now to foster clarity, cultivate change, and increase satisfaction in your life and relationships.
My focus is on creating a safe and authentic space in which you can explore your truth and learn how to live a life that resonates deeply with your dreams and values.
My Work Experience:
I began my career in residential treatment programs where I worked with adults struggling with co-occurring mental illnesses, neurodivergent teens, and teens with complex trauma histories. I worked on interdisciplinary teams and also provided support to families and partners.
In 2019 I transitioned to outpatient therapy settings and found my real passion in this work. I have had the honor and joy of working with a wide range of people. My clients have included people ages 18-75, students, professionals, artists, athletes, parents, veterans, community and spiritual leaders, construction workers, and business owners. I have worked with individuals and couples with many intersecting identities.
My Education:
Master of Social Work, University of New England in Portland, ME, 2016
BA, International Relations and Theater, Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA, 2010
My Additional and Ongoing Training:
ARC Framework: Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency, 12 hours, 2017
Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR, 40 hours, 2021
Internal Family Systems for Healing Traumatic Wounds, 6 hours, 2021
Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems, 12.5 hours, 2022
Internal Family Systems 2024 Annual Conference, 13.5 hours, 2024
Internal Family Systems for Trauma Treatment with Dr. Frank Anderson, 20 hours, 2025
Externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, 24 hours, 2025
My Personal Life
I am originally from the east coast and moved to Oregon in 2020. I currently live in Portland, OR with my husband and our 16 year old border collie mix. Outside of work, I spend much of my time with my family and friends, adventuring in the outdoors, and trying new hobbies.