Alyson Lacko
registered ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Pronouns: she/her
As a therapist, I’m bringing the parts of myself to the room that allow and encourage work that is deep, meaningful, existential, jovial, and most importantly, transformative. Let’s go beyond “talking about it” and find ways to actually experience a shift towards who you want to be.
My Style
Vulnerability requires safety and trust, and my number one priority is to build a therapeutic relationship which genuinely provides both. It is only from this space that we can truly make lifelong change.
My approach is eclectic, meaning I’m going to be drawing from numerous schools of thought to tailor my approach to best fit YOU. You are more than a collection of symptoms, and I will treat you like the unique individual you are.
We’ll start with resourcing you early on with some new ways of thinking and coping, so you can bring some practical tools into your life while we begin the deeper work together.
Our work will challenge and support you to contemplate, heal, and accept who you are. Your hopes, aspirations, and values will guide every step we take together.
My Approach
You are more than your thoughts, and our therapy will help empower you to move through your past and your limiting beliefs into a space defined by your own agency and intentionality.
A Holistic Approach
We’re going to address all the physical, neurological, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual dimensions of your identity, your life, and your challenges, ultimately working towards meaningful change.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT is an evidence-based practice that has been shown to increase psychological flexibility and better manage feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, and posttraumatic distress. I often emphasize the use of mindfulness, acceptance, and committed action to assist you in your growth and development.
Existential
If you find yourself pondering universal truths, your own sense of purpose, or the meaning of life and death, working within an existential framework can support you in clarifying your beliefs, understanding your limitations, and finding some sense of peace. Let’s explore the absurdity together.
Parts Work
Using IFS-informed approaches and parts work, we will explore all of the individual parts that make up your whole identity, working towards understanding, acceptance, and healing. If you feel at war with yourself with numerous internal conflicts, this approach may be for you.
I specialize in:
Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD)
Existentialism
Anxiety
Stress Management & Coping
I also work with:
Life Transitions
Identity Formation
Imposter Syndrome & Perfectionism
Creative Individuals and Artists
Relationship Struggles
Improving Communication
my guiding principles
Acceptance
It is of utmost importance that we both accept what we can and cannot control both inside and outside of the therapy. I will always relate to you from an accepting, nonjudgmental, compassionate, and respectful space.
Collaboration
Profound change can occur within the container of a safe 1:1 relationship. We will work together to identify goals and agree on how to use this sacred space.
Flexibility
I welcome feedback with open arms. I want to know what is or isn’t working so we can optimize our time together and shift focus whenever needed.
Agency
You are the expert on your own life. My role is to help guide you towards your inner strengths and wisdom so that you can live the life you dream of.
Outside of Therapy
As a lifelong Californian, I am passionate about exploring all this state has to offer, like the redwood forests of Humboldt County, the rivers and streams in Sacramento Valley, and the museums and art galleries in the Bay Area. When I’m not at work, I’m probably bouldering at the climbing gym, reading for my book club, playing games with friends, or trying to keep my cat away from the charcuterie board.
We may be a great fit if…
You’re interested in understanding and relating to yourself in new ways.
You’re interested in diving deep into your past and your pain.
You like your therapy to come with a sense of joy, creativity, exploration, and humor.
You often find yourself thinking about big existential questions.
We may not be a great fit if…
You’re looking for a “quick fix.”
You aren’t interested in exploring how the past affects the present.
You’re looking for in-person therapy.
Education & Licensure
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M.A. Counseling Psychology | Cal Poly Humboldt
B.A. Psychology | UCLA
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Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist | AMFT134002
Under the supervision of Laura DeSantis, LPCC