Alison Potter

Biography

Qualifications & Experience

I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton with an emphasis in education and psychology. In 2004, I earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California with a concentration in families and children, clinical therapy, and school counseling. As a graduate student, my training included one year of work as a clinical rehabilitation specialist at the Mental Health Association of Orange County and one year as a school social work counseling intern in the East Whittier City School District in Southern California. I hold a school social work credential in the state of California. I am licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate.

After graduating with a Master’s degree, I began work as the social work graduate program writing and research tutor at the University of Southern California.

What I love about my training and experience as a clinical social worker is the variety of opportunities I have had. My first job out of graduate school was as a clinical social worker at a locked inpatient psychiatric hospital in Southern California. I then began work as a local missionary and program director in a gang prevention program. Soon after I was blessed with an opportunity to enter the medical field as a medical social worker at two Kaiser hospitals in Southern California and Children’s Hospital of Orange County. I worked with a diverse group of people, diagnoses, and situations that are difficult to replicate in non-medical settings. I worked as a pediatric social worker specifically offering clinical support and counseling to oncology, spina bifida, and PICU patients. I also worked with children and adults in the ICU, emergency department, medical-surgery unit, and outpatient clinics.

My Call to Christian Counseling

While pursuing the study of psychology and intending to become an elementary school teacher, my dad was diagnosed with cancer and died when I was a sophomore in college. We were provided services from Hospice and that is when I believe the seed was planted for me to pursue clinical social work. Each week I was counseled by an empathetic and compassionate social worker who inadvertently laid the groundwork for my life as a counselor.

After my dad died, I began seeing a Christian counselor and was blessed with an amazing MFT intern who was also a pastor. He helped me through many issues, primarily my grief, and became my mentor. He counseled with godly wisdom and kindness and offered direction like a father. Not having my dad in my life anymore, that was crucial. I have since gone to counseling for various reasons and cannot imagine life without receiving such help. Counseling has been an invaluable part of my life and helped form the foundation for my career as a counselor.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I have been married for fourteen years. My husband and I moved to Washington from Southern California, where my husband was born and raised. I was born in Utah, raised for most of my childhood in Ohio, then moved to Southern California when I was thirteen years old. We hope to adopt soon, but for now we have a lively Sheltie/Papillon mix. I have been an aunt since I was nine years old and now have two nephews, three nieces, one great-nephew, and one great-niece. I absolutely love being an aunt! Our families all reside in Southern California.

In my free time, I write professionally and for enjoyment, and I enjoy attending and serving at our church, reading, getting creative, walking in God’s nature, working in the yard, photography, watching documentaries, and playing with our dog. Something most people do not know about me is that I danced semi-professionally until graduate school. My focus was ballet (pointe), lyrical, and character dancing. I still practice ballet at home.

Services and Specialities

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• ADHD
• ADD/HD
• Aging and Geriatric Issues
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Coaching
• Counseling for Children
• Counseling for Teens
• Couple Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Family Counseling
• Grief and Loss
• Group Counseling
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Marriage Counseling
• OCD
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Professional Development
• Relationship Issues
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Weight Loss
• Women’s Issues

Counseling for Children and Adolescents

I specialize in working with children and adolescents. I utilize specific tools for different developmental stages to help each client work through issues. I have a passion for helping children and teens through the grief process – whether from a death, divorce, or other loss – and specialize in crisis intervention, attachment disorders, pervasive and severe psychiatric diagnoses, ADD/ADHD, learning disorders, spectrum disorder, mood disorders, childhood and adolescent depression, anxiety, and chronic physical illness.

Sessions with your child or teen will be age and developmentally appropriate and focused on patiently and lovingly working through each issue your child or teen is struggling with. I will also work with the parent(s) or other guardian(s) as deemed appropriate to ensure the most beneficial work is done for your child or teen within the context of his or her family, social, academic, and other relevant systems. In addition, I provide parental/family counseling and guidance throughout my work with your child or teen.

I have spent most of my clinical career working with children and teens with behavioral and learning difficulties, going through parental divorce, child protective cases, neglect and abandonment, psychiatric disorders, bullying, foster care, health crises and medical conditions, and attachment disorders. I am also trained in crisis and trauma intervention for both children and adults.

Grief and Loss

Grief and loss are universal, yet the response is quite unique to the individual dealing with the loss. People may not know what to say or do when you have a loss. Whether a loved one has died, you are dealing with divorce, miscarriage, or a chronic illness and the loss involved with that, you need a strong support system.

As your grief counselor, I will help you navigate the stormy waters of grief and loss. We will work through the stages of grief and work towards healing and developing healthy coping skills. I will listen with empathy and compassion and support you through your time of pain, loss, and aching grief to soothe your heart and soul. I can help you understand the myriad emotions you are experiencing and find productive and godly ways to express your grief. I am trained in grief counseling for children, teens, and adults and have experience leading school- and church-based children’s grief groups.

Coaching

I have a passion for teaching and thoroughly enjoy watching clients grow and attain goals they have set for their lives. I offer coaching in a variety of areas with the goal of empowering you to reach your goals through education, counseling, and Biblical guidance. As a Christian coach, one of my goals is to help you shift unhealthy mindsets and establish healthier coping skills.

Payment and Forms

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Bothell – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
• Online (WA Only) – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for Individuals and Groups looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to some insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment, the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Social Worker Associate Independent Clinical (LSWAIC), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals.

Receipts/Statements: In the event, you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 2.97% plus $0.15 per transaction will be added for credit card payments.