Alison Clifton, m.s.

Specializations

  • Children (5+), Adolescents, Women

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Child-Centered Play Therapy

  • Trauma

  • Anxiety/Depression

  • Life Transition

  • Relational issues

  • Emotion dysregulation

My name is Alison Clifton, and I am a masters-level therapist in supervision as I pursue my license in the state of Tennessee. I often use CCPT (Child-Centered Play Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy), and CBT as clinically indicated in session based on the individualized needs and ages of my clients. I have a passion for walking with individuals in various life stages as they navigate trauma and its multifaceted impacts. In addition to these clinical interests, I also enjoy working with clients navigating the complexities of neurocognitive disorders like autism spectrum disorder and other issues that might leave a person feeling misunderstood, confused, and frustrated with the difficulties they face.

My heart is for the underserved, unreached, and marginalized; I truly believe we all find ourselves feeling that way sometimes, and I find it a joy to walk with others as they navigate those feelings. I take particular interest in understanding each client within the context of their inner circle, family, community, and culture and the role these factors play in the difficulties they experience every day. Equipped with this understanding, a knowledge of each client’s strengths and resiliencies, and a supportive therapeutic relationship, I believe that each person can be empowered to grow and heal beyond the despair that often leads them to therapy. As a Christian counselor, I acknowledge openly that my faith greatly informs my own identity, the values that have called me to this profession, and my love for the people I seek to serve. I believe this to be the same for all people who come into my office whether their backgrounds are similar or different from my own. I value and respect the cultural identities that inform the lives and experiences my clients, and each person can expect to be respected and cared for.

As an East Tennessee native, I greatly enjoy serving and giving back to the communities that have made this place home. I attended Carson-Newman University to complete my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and attended East Tennessee State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies. In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, and exploring coffee shops and other local gems with my husband, family, and friends.