Allison Smeck, LCSW
Meet Allison
Hello! I’m Allison Smeck (she/her), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oregon. I offer individual therapy through in-person and virtual sessions.
I work with people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, unseen, or frustrated by patterns that aren’t supporting the life they want. Together, we can break those experiences into smaller, more manageable pieces and explore how your history may be affecting the present.
I especially enjoy supporting people exploring their gender identity, sexual orientation, and other aspects of who they are. I also bring specialized experience in chronic illness, grief, loss, and end-of-life concerns.
You Might Be a Good Fit If...
You’re looking for a therapist who is conversational, direct, and comfortable making room for both difficult feelings and your full personality. You may be:
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed and unsure where to begin.
Exploring your gender identity, sexual orientation, or sense of self.
Having difficulty identifying, naming, or expressing emotions.
Navigating family conflict or recurring relationship patterns.
Living with chronic illness or adjusting to changes in your health.
Experiencing grief, loss, or concerns about death and dying.
Wanting to understand how past experiences affect your life today.
Looking for a collaborative relationship where your feedback matters.
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 take inspiration from Mrs. Frizzle’s invitation to “take chances, make mistakes, get messy.” For me, that means making room to try something different, be imperfect, and learn about yourself along the way. It also means knowing when to pause, slow down, and better understand what feels uncomfortable.
I welcome regular feedback about how therapy is going. We’ll check whether our work feels useful and whether it reflects your goals, adjusting our approach as we learn what helps.
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.
Interested in Working With Allison?
Submit a prospective patient inquiry and let us know that you’re interested in working with Allison. We’ll review your needs, preferences, insurance, scheduling availability, and current provider openings to determine whether Allison may be a good fit.