Alison Burgess, Intern

Alison Burgess has always felt very passionate about people and their stories and believes people’s relationships affect those stories. She cares about their unique connections and backgrounds and believes that shapes us. She has been working in primary education for ten years and realized how much she enjoyed working together with children and families to best support her students. This has fostered a passion for mental health in families and how to best serve the wellbeing of the family. Life is demanding and normal and unexpected stressors occur. Being able to navigate and cope with these stressors as a strong family unit makes for a sturdier bond and a happier life.  

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While completing her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University, Alison has learned many different approaches to help her succeed in helping others. Her many years in education have created a love of working with young children and their families.  

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Personal Life

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Alison was born and raised in the San Joaquin Valley in California. After graduating high school, she obtained a bachelor’s degree at the University of Nevada, Reno and began her career in education in Lake Tahoe, California. She has lived in Arizona for the past seven years and has worked as a kindergarten teacher. She moved here to be closer to family and while she does love the comfortable winters the mountains will always be in her heart.  

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When she is not working or studying, she is traveling, attending sporting or music events, reading, and spending time with family and friends.  

Approach
 

Alison has been drawn to Narrative family therapy which in a nutshell means people are not their problems but that their problems are separate from themselves. Narrative family therapy also believes that society plays a large role in how we perceive the world and those around us.  

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Using a systemic approach Alison strives to create a warm and comfortable environment free of judgment. By listening and understanding Alison can support those by working together to create plans and manageable goals.