Alison Papion, LMFT, CCRMP

I’m Alison Papion LMFT, the founder of BRAVE Counseling & Consulting - A Family Counseling Corporation, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Thousand Oaks and Berkeley, CA - here to guide you through life’s most complex and difficult matters.

Since 2004, I have provided a number of specialized therapeutic services to those coping with major trauma and other challenging life experiences. Patient well-being is my number one priority, with an emphasis on overcoming hurdles such as abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction and dissociative disorders.

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I have a thriving private psychotherapy practice in Southern and Northern California and can also offer sessions via a secure online network.  In addition, I offer consultation to clinicians starting a private practice or needing trauma specific case consultation.

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I have a Masters in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University.  I have extensive experience as a clinician, therapist, director and healer. 

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I can't wait to begin our journey towards wellness together!

Art, play, humor, sass.

Acceptance, curiosity, and interconnectedness.

​Queer, sex positive, LGBTQIA+ safe space.

Advocate of drug policy reform, therapeutic and intentional use of psychoactive substances, and harm reduction practices when appropriate. 

Support to those exploring both traditional and non-traditional relationships like polyamory and non-monogamy. The later paths are not for everyone, but anyone who is looking for support is welcome here.

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I offer trauma processing with the Comprehensive Resource Model and self-exploration/integration through Art Therapy. I also offer guidance through mindfulness principles and meditation techniques. Exploring and healing our relationship with ourselves is pretty dang incredible. Difficult, liberating, and worth it. And we can see our relationships with others simultaneously affected.

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I received my undergraduate degree from UCSB in Cell and Developmental Biology, and my graduate degree from Phillips Graduate University in Psychology. I welcome all questions about the therapeutic process, and am happy to provide education about the science of what we're doing. A deeper understanding of the process can make it so much easier to integrate session material into the rest of your life.

Stephen Douthit, AMFT

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #131329

Have you reached a point in your life where you're ready for change? Maybe you're struggling to find some balance in your life. Do you feel stuck, stressed, sad, unmotivated, or generally discontent with yourself? Seeking therapy can be a powerful step towards transformation. Being happy, feeling better, recovering, & growing are within reach. Together, we will work to help you make sense of all of it to become who you want to be. My goal is to help you enhance self-awareness of your feelings, thoughts, and behavior while being there with you through the sometimes painful and frightening process of growth. We all sometimes need another person to listen to us, to provide encouragement, and to help us stay on the right track.

Each of us has unique experiences, so my therapeutic approach varies depending on where the client is. My goal is to help you through your issues and help you develop your ability to heal yourself. You are not alone. You are adaptive and resilient! Sometimes we lose sight of this. I design therapy to be a safe space free of judgement, where your well-being is top priority. My areas of experience include working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, and relational issues. Some of the evidence-based techniques I draw from are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), CBASP, Music Therapy, and Strength Based, Person-Centered Approaches. 

I received my Master's degree in Psychology from The Western Institute for Social Research in Berkeley. Through trials and tribulation, I finally found where my passion lies, and it is within the field of Psychology - creating meaningful human connections. 

Mary Andrews, APCC, ATR-P

Associate Clinical Counselor #Pending

Registered Provisional Art Therapist #Pending

I believe brain health should be included in overall health and wellness. Just as you would go for a walk or get a good night’s sleep, therapy can be part of your journey to wellness. I believe therapy can affect all parts of your life and improve how you feel. Wellness and life are not linear and sometimes we need a companion on that journey.

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Therapy is not solely an hour of meeting with a therapist, shutting down your computer or driving home after a session, it is hard work and will take time. Therapy pulls from your past and changes your future. It touches all aspects of your life and reveals reality. I challenge others to be more emotionally open, and I hope that being more open about your own emotional life can lead to deeper connections with others.

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I specialize in art therapy which can be used with anyone and everyone! Art can be as simple as a few scribbles on a page and can reveal wonders that words don’t always possess. As a professional, I want to share life with you; it is not always pretty, and you do not have to fight your battles alone. I am here for you and want to see you feel better.