My Story
I didn't start out planning to become a therapist who specializes in working with "the unicorns", the people who've been given every diagnosis under the sun but never truly seen. But after years of sitting across from clients who'd been told they were "too much," "too complicated," or "treatment resistant," I realized something: they weren't the problem. The system that failed to see their full humanity was.
I'm a neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ therapist who understands marginalization from the inside. My journey from rural conservative Indiana to becoming an advocate, activist, and affirming therapist taught me that our healing cannot be separated from our liberation. Your rage at the systems that harmed you is valid. Your need for a therapist who actually gets it is valid. Your right to be celebrated, not just tolerated, is valid.
Embodied Therapy with Allison is a virtual therapy practice offering specialized, affirming care for marginalized communities across TX, NM, AK, WA, OR, FL, ID, and AZ. Led by Allison VanGordon (they/she), a Licensed Professional Counselor with expertise in eating disorders, trauma, LGBTQIA+ care, and neurodivergent-affirming therapy.
What I Believe About Therapy
The relationship matters most.
I bring my full personality into our work together - humor, warmth, validation, direct honesty, and genuine celebration of who you are. You'll never spend sessions educating me about basic LGBTQIA+ concepts or defending your neurodivergent brain. I understand these experiences because I live them too.
Your effort matters too.
Therapy is one hour out of 168 in your week. We'll work together to find practices and "therapy homework" that actually fit your life, your brain, and your needs, not some cookie-cutter approach that works for neurotypical people with unlimited executive function.
Systemic oppression is real.
If we're not acknowledging the effects of homo/bi/transphobia, ableism, racism, sexism, classism, and sizeism on your mental health, we're leaving out a huge piece of the equation. Your anxiety and depression aren't just "chemical imbalances". They're often reasonable responses to living in a world that wasn't built for you.
What You Can Expect From Me
I'm based in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where I've learned what it means to exist as a queer, neurodivergent person in spaces that don't always feel safe. That's why I'm passionate about bringing specialized, affirming care to rural and underserved communities through virtual therapy.
Virtual therapy isn't a compromise. It's a feature. Being in your own space means you control everything. Bring your fidgets, move as needed, sit on the floor, stim freely, use the chat if speaking becomes difficult. No forced eye contact, no fluorescent waiting rooms, no commute when you're already exhausted. Your goals guide our work. Whether you're seeking eating disorder recovery that is neuro-affirming, trauma healing that honors your rage, gender exploration, coming out support, or just a therapist who won't make you explain your existence, we'll work together toward what matters to you.
I will show up with my full humanity and can hold all of yours in return. I will validate your pain while also believing in your capacity for healing. I will challenge systems of oppression while supporting your individual growth. I will celebrate your wins and sit with you in your grief. I will never ask you to shrink yourself to make others comfortable. You deserve therapy that sees all of you. You are brilliant. You are complex. You are worthy exactly as you are.
Questions about whether we're a good fit?
I'm happy to answer anything during our free consultation call.
Questions about therapy?
Contact me to discuss your specific questions.
