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Meet Allison
Hey, folks! I'm Allison Smeck (she/her), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oregon and I see folks in person and also virtually. I work with clients ages 25+ (and particularly enjoy working with folks who are 65 and older) who are going through changes in life, career or family and need a little help from within! You and I can find the tools that live inside of you that empower you to be in the driver's seat of your own life whether you're navigating depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, or something else. I believe that therapy is best described in the words of Ms. Frizzle who famously said, "Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!" Life is messy, but together, we can build up the tools you'll need to get to feeling better!
You Might Be a Good Fit If...
You’re looking for a therapist who is conversational, casual, very direct, and very comfortable making room for your whole self!
You might:
Want to understand how past experiences affect your life today.
Need some support exploring your identity or sense of self.
Feel isolated and aren't sure how to go about building up your community.
Have experienced or are currently experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
Have recently been diagnosed with a form of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Have experienced a loss of significance and need a partner to help you process the change and the grief.
You desire a collaborative relationship where your feedback drives our work together.
How I Work
I want therapy to be a space where you feel comfortable being yourself. My sessions are casual and conversational, and I bring my personality into our work. You can expect warmth, curiosity, and direct questions that invite you to explore areas that may feel difficult or stuck. I'll make room to try something different, to be imperfect, and for both of us learn about your Self along the way. I will also be responsible for slowing us down and pausing sometimes to better understand what feels uncomfortable.
My Approach
My approach considers you as a whole person. Your physical health, emotions, relationships, environment, and personal history all matter in understanding what you’re experiencing and where support may be available.
I draw from different therapies based on your needs. We may explore patterns rooted in earlier relationships, make space for emotions, consider the stories you carry about yourself, or develop practical ways to respond to current challenges. I also incorporate mindfulness and creative expression when they fit our work.
My clinical approach includes:
Psychodynamic Therapy · Strengths-Based Therapy · Attachment Theory · Emotion-Focused Therapy · Relational Therapy · Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) · Narrative Therapy · Mindfulness · Creative Expression
Education & Credentials
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Oregon
Master of Social Work
Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, New York City, 2022
Certificate in Palliative and Hospice Care Social Work, 2023
Palliative and Hospice Care Fellowship
Portland VA Medical Center
Year-long fellowship with advanced training in grief and end-of-life concerns
Before becoming a therapist, I worked as an elementary school teacher. My clinical experience includes supporting people through family conflict, emotional challenges, chronic illness, and the stresses that accompany different stages of life.
Beyond the Therapy Room
Outside of work, you’re likely to find me spending time with my wife and dog, making ceramics, exploring tide pools, or traveling to visit family. I love coffee, summer fruit, farmers markets, thrift stores, and chasing sunshine. I also speak French and enjoy any opportunity to doodle.