allison.blessen@gmail.com

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at Nourished Minds Counseling + Wellness, I specialize in treating adolescents and adults struggling with eating disorders, complex trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, OCD and personality disorders.

My clinical approach flexibly incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I enjoy working with clients to meet their goals with curiosity, compassion and humor.

I received my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston College. Prior to joining Nourished Minds, I worked at Monte Nido Laurel Hill, a residential eating disorder facility, where I provided individual, group and family therapy to clients recovering from eating disorders. During my time as a therapist, I gained experience working with clients as they developed insight and coping skills to navigate eating disorders, self-harm, dissociation, suicidality, substance abuse, complex trauma, intimate partner violence, OCD, as well as identity development.

Prior to this work, I spent a year as a primary and group therapist for Right Turn, a program for individuals struggling with substance abuse. During graduate school, I worked as a recovery coach, providing behavioral interventions and nutrition exposures for individuals with eating disorders. I am dedicated to continued professional development and am a member of The National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I particularly enjoy working with young adults as they navigate their experience and expression of gender and sexuality. I am a sex-positive and kink-allied therapist. I am dedicated to continued anti-racist education and the use of knowledge of systems of oppression and their impact on individual and community health in my clinical practice and life. I feel grateful for the opportunity to build relationships and work alongside my clients as they identify values-based behaviors and strategies to create the life they want for themselves.

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) and a certified eating disorders specialist-supervisor (CEDS-S) with two decades of experience treating individuals and families with a wide range of diagnoses. I work with individuals who struggle with eating disorders, OCD., anxiety disorders, and trauma. I incorporate treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, ERP and IFS. I am also the founder and owner of a group practice, Nourished Minds Counseling + Wellness.

I am licensed in Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina.

My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavioral techniques, meaning that we will look at patterns of thinking and habits in behaviors that may be maintaining negative mood states or problematic situations. My therapeutic style is collaborative, open and interpersonal, meaning we work together to address problems and feedback runs both directions. I strive to meet patients where they are at and personalize treatment whether you are new to therapy or not, wanting help w/ a specific concern or struggling to identify what that is, or ready to share versus a little unsure.

Greetings!! I’ve been working in the field of disordered eating for over 25 years and am constantly inspired by the work my clients are able to do to restore, recover and discover more fulfilling lives. I primarily use EMDR, IFS and body- based skills to help my clients get to the source of suffering and clear out old beliefs and behaviors that no longer serve. Together we will look at what’s not working and also what IS working in your life and make that part stronger!

I specialize in helping people who are struggling with disordered eating/eating disorders, self-esteem, and trauma. I utilize a variety of evidence-based modalities to better understand yourself, un-learn old ways of being, and develop the capacity to manage all that life brings.