Meet Alison Ferriera

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Ferriera.

Alison, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a Denver native who lives down the street from the childhood home where I grew up. I’ve always been interested in the variety life has to offer, which was reflected early on, when I was searching for the right career. In high school and college, I immersed myself in fine art, advertising, media, sociology, gender studies…all with a common theme that I would return to, of my need and desire to support, learn and connect to others.

I was adopted at a young age from S. Korea and always felt comfortable with my narrative. I grew up in a family who did not look like me, and only as an adult have been able to process, confront, and grow with how that plays into my presence in this world, and how it helps me to understand the complexities that others might navigate in their own lives. We all have those pieces that are complex about us.

I studied in Oregon, California, and in Spain at various times, convinced that finding my place and identity would be a result of physical exploration of the world. As an adult, and especially with my own family now, I have accepted and learned so much about how growth is truly a continual, fluctuating, messy process; that is always more sustainable with the support of others. I returned home to Colorado to care for a sick parent, whose ultimate loss still impacts who I am today.

I’ve been told throughout my life that I am creative, and always assumed that would mean I would do something directly related to fine art. When I headed towards media and advertising, I realized where I thrived was in the relationships, interested in the dynamics of people, always carefully listening and wanting to cultivate growth within the people I worked with. I completed my master’s in art therapy and psychology in California, with an emphasis on neurobiology and family systems work. When I moved back to Colorado, I worked with families in their homes, children in residential and foster care, adults, caregivers, everyone who was willing to share their story with me. I believe our individual complexities can hold answers, and that connection can be the key to unfolding things that make us stuck, depressed, anxious, isolated.

Has it been a smooth road?
Whose road is a smooth one? I’d love to have their number and know their secret! Especially during this time, I don’t think anyone’s life is exempt from challenge. I think it’s how we choose to move through adversity, how we work to pick ourselves up, and what we learn that can allow us moments of smoothness, and moments we do not feel reduced by things that have weighed us down.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am now where I feel most inspired; in my own private practice, holding those pieces that others are ready to let go of to help facilitate their own journey to be what they want. I work with adults who are looking to explore the things that are roadblocks to feeling whole, to improve the way they see themselves, and how they want their lives to feel. I am proud of my own journey. What sets me apart from others is what sets us all apart from one another, and that is my own experience which is always a piece of me wherever I go.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’m partial to Denver since I grew up here. It feels familiar to me. I love experiencing all the seasons. We have a hot Summer and a snowy Winter. I love that I meet people from the East and the West coasts that are drawn to Denver. I love driving along the parkways in Denver with big, old trees, especially in the evening during the Summertime. I dislike the loss of Denver businesses due to COVID-19!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alisonfcounseling.net
• Phone: ‪(720) 583-4827‬
• Email: alisonf@alisonfcounseling.net

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