Biography
About Alison
Alison Varianides, MSW, LCSW-R is the Founder and Executive Director of Westchester Psychotherapy, a private practice located in Lower Westchester County (Sleepy Hollow). Alison is a licensed psychotherapist with a specialization in the treatment of adolescents, adults and couples. She practices Solution Focused Therapy by utilizing a Cognitive Behavioral Approach combined with Psychodynamic Theory. Alison approaches therapy from a client-centered, relational perspective that draws on client strength and experience. She believes that people who come to therapy have internal resources that can help them grow and change. Her approach focuses on helping you foster growth and healing through support, reflection, guidance and building on your existing resources. Alison has been described by her clients as warm, easy to connect with, caring and down to earth. By challenging her clients to achieve their fullest potential, Alison remains supportive and nurturing in a safe environment. She considers herself a "teacher" as well as a therapist, and often teaches techniques and tools in therapy in order for you to learn new, healthy and effective coping strategies in dealing with negative behaviors or thought patterns. Alison is passionate about working with teens, and recognizes the importance of quality services for youth and families. She has provided services to adolescents and young adults in a variety of settings, focusing on issues that include peer relationship problems, bullying, family relational issues, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, self injurious behaviors, eating disorders and school difficulties. Alison utilizes humor, activities and her unique personality in working with adolescents. Alison has extensive experience working with adolescents, adults and families. She has worked in the New York City Schools as well as the Westchester Schools as a School Social Worker where she counseled adolescents with learning and emotional difficulties. Alison has worked as a therapist at The Guidance Center, serving children, adolescents, adults and families with mental illness. Additionally, she worked in Dallas, Texas as a School Therapist and Substance Abuse Counselor. Alison received her BA in Psychology as an undergraduate at the State University of New York at Albany. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude. She received her Masters in Social Work from New York University in 2006 and graduated as an LCU Fellow and Merit Scholar for outstanding academic progress and excellent therapeutic work. Additionally, Alison received a Post Masters Advanced Certificate in Working with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders from CUNY Brooklyn in 2011. She published her first social work practice book in 2012, The School Social Work Toolkit-Hands on Counseling Activities and Workshops. It can be purchased at Amazon.com, NASWPress.org. Alison has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic and Solution Focused Therapies. Some of the training and certificates Alison holds include the treatment of PTSD, Substance Abuse, Depression, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the Beck Institute, Eating disorder/Intuitive eating and Art Therapy for Grief and Loss. Alison believes in therapy that is client centered and strength based. “The fit between the client and the therapist is essential for an effective therapeutic relationship to exist.” She is a warm, caring and compassionate individual who utilizes, theory, experience and her unique personality in practice. She became a clinical social worker so that she could help others feel better about themselves and live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. |
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