Get to Know Me

What sets Alyson Marlow apart from other therapists is her incredibly unique work experiences including international social work, juvenile justice, childhood trauma, and service to several different communities: undocumented families, individuals with developmental disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community.  Alyson has an ongoing spiritual practice and believes in the importance of continuing to do inner personal work even as a therapist.  She meditates and practices mindfulness regularly.  She has always been a deep thinker.  This was something that was encouraged by her father and inspired by dinner table conversations with the question “what is the meaning of life?”

 

Her years of service to developing countries has given her extraordinary insight into different cultures and languages.  She takes this wisdom with her in her therapy sessions and has a special ability to connect and communicate with people of many backgrounds.  In Bolivia, she served individuals living in rural underserved areas.  She was a part of the team that facilitated workshops related to health, sanitation, and sex education.  In The Philippines she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer at a correctional facility for youth.  This assignment was near and dear to her as this is the country of her mother’s birth and where she began to learn more about her ancestors.  It was around this time she started to incorporate energy work and alternative medicine into her self care routine.  

 

Alyson has been in the mental health profession for over 15 years.  She is a licensed clinical social worker with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of California, Riverside and a master of social work from San Jose State University.  She currently works with OCD, trauma, substance abuse, and anxiety. She enjoys working with teens, families, and offering parent support.