Alison Harriman

Clients often come to me after they’ve already done a lot of thinking about their lives. They’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, and maybe even been to therapy before — yet they still feel stuck in the same patterns.

My work focuses on helping people understand the connection between their story and their nervous system. Instead of only talking about what’s happening in your life, we also pay attention to what’s happening in your body in real time. This helps us understand reactions more deeply and create change that goes beyond surface-level coping.

I work best with thoughtful adults who want to slow down, become more aware of their internal patterns, and build a steadier relationship with themselves.

My approach is somatic and insight-oriented, meaning we explore both your life experiences and how those experiences show up in your nervous system.

In our sessions, we might talk about relationships, patterns, or moments where you feel stuck. At the same time, we slow the process down and notice what’s happening in your body — sensations, tension, impulses, or shifts in energy. These signals often hold important information about how your nervous system has learned to respond to stress.

This work helps move therapy beyond simply understanding your patterns intellectually. Instead, we begin working with the system underneath those patterns so that change can happen in a more sustainable way.

My approach is trauma-informed and intentionally paced. We prioritize nervous system safety and move at a speed that supports long-term change rather than quick fixes.

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what’s bringing you to therapy.

We’ll talk about what’s been going on in your life, the patterns or challenges you’ve been noticing, and what you’re hoping might feel different through therapy. I’ll also share more about how I work and answer any questions you may have about the process.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting. Many people come in unsure of exactly where to begin, and part of our work together is slowing down enough to make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface.

The first session is meant to feel conversational, collaborative, and grounded — a place where we begin building a shared understanding of your experience.