Alison
George Therapist
my approach
I am an Florida (Windermere) based therapist providing counselling and support services to people in the Orlando metropolitan area - as well as interstate and internationally by telephone or virtual sessions (zoom, Skype or teams etc).
I believe in taking a holistic approach, looking at the 'big picture' - I do not take a blanket approach to apply one treatment type, assuming one technique, theory or therapy type fits all as some practitioners may do. While I believe in treating the immediate symptoms, it's very important to also evaluate the underlying causes of the issue(s) so you are better prepared in the future as well. Band-aids often fall off!
Part of my holistic approach aims to address the following key goals:
• Inspire effective problem-solving
• Alleviate stress & distress and identify better coping mechanisms
• Support personal achievement and build resilience
• Improve relationships and learn how to better communicate with those around us
• Promote physical well-being & life-balance
• Encourage greater self-awareness and build insight to initiate positive, lasting change
• Identify and challenge irrational thoughts
• Assist in the development of goal-setting and how to achieve them
I also believe the process of 'mindfulness', a strategy of being in the 'here and now' is very useful especially in treating anxiety, depression, reducing stress, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, depression and addictions. I often use a combination of CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and other modalities.
Alison George
About me
Credentials:
Master of Social Work (Qualifying), Monash University (Australia)
Grad Dip Counselling, Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP)
Grad Dip Psychology, University of Melbourne (Australia)
BFA Fine Art, Syracuse University, NY, USA
I am presently based in the Orlando, Florida area, after returning to the USA after residing overseas in Australia for the last 20 years. I continue to provide virtual therapy to clients worldwide.
In addition to being a therapist, I am also a fine artist and musician, which lends well in therapy, as art can be an alternative form of expression, especially when dealing with sensitive topics or when it may be difficult to find a voice to express or label something. This is especially useful when working with children. I am also a mother of two children and understand the challenges (and joys) parenting can bring.
I am also a trauma-informed therapist, with a great deal of experience working with those that may be experiencing Post Traumatic Stress, including working with first-responders, asylum seekers, refugees, and those with other traumatic experiences such as abuse, family violence and more.
I would love the opportunity to speak to you to find out how I can assist you in your journey.
In today's rush we all think too much – seek too much –
want too much – and forget about the joy of just being.
Eckhart Tolle
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A couple of good reasons to increase your self awareness -
Get to know what your unconscious mind
is up to...
Most of the time we function from automatic or unconscious mind patterns, with the conscious mind playing a very small role. We operate on 'auto pilot' and we may not realize how much years of conditioning from various sources have impacted us, becoming programmed thoughts and behavior patterns that do not even represent us, or what we want.
The more aware we become of these thought patterns, their origins, and how they affect us, we can re-gain control over our life, and shift from being on auto-pilot and instead make conscious decisions and alter our behaviours, allowing us to be in greater charge of things like our health, happiness, inner peace and joy and improve our relationships.
You become a nicer person...
Rather than approaching the world from a reactive state of being, the more you increase your awareness, the more mindful you become of how your thoughts, words and actions may impact others. You therefore become more mindful of what you will or will not say, or do. You become a more considerate spouse, a more patient parent, a more conscientious worker, and a more positively contributing member to your community and our world.
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