Meet Alison “Ali” Pierucci

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison “Ali” Pierucci.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
At the age of 19, I took a position at a Domestic Violence shelter for women. At that time I was a student of Social Anthropology and Gender Studies at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR. Working at the shelter opened my eyes to so many layers of issues around class, race, sexism, sexual assault, and the problematic systems those of us with privilege create and maintain. I became curious about social justice. Initially, I believed I would be an activist full time. Later in life, while getting a Masters in Social Work in Washington D.C., I interned at the DC Rape Crisis Center (DCRCC) and fell in love with clinical work.

Throughout my social work journey, I have worked in domestic violence centers, homes for teen parents, sexual assault centers, community mental health centers, and in hospitals. When I was about 36 (I am 42 now), I was encouraged by a good friend to open my own business. I realized that if I worked for myself I could practice more in alignment with my values and ethics

Private practice has enabled me to work individually with client survivors of trauma while keeping therapy affordable and accessible. I often refer out to colleagues who I believe clients would be a better fit for and really enjoy matching folks to someone who I think can best support them.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Around the same time that I ventured out on my own, I started struggling with auto-immune disease. I also had emergency gallbladder surgery unexpectedly several years ago – ten days before my wedding. All of this caused financial strain and at times I felt pressured to seek employment so that I could have better health insurance and benefits. I still worry about having pre-existing conditions and losing coverage.

Thanks to the support of my parents, friends, and husband, I was able to stay afloat. It was very frustrating to finally be earning my own money, making a decent living and seeing it all go to medical bills. However, those experiences have heightened my empathy, and I can uniquely show up for clients living with auto-immune, chronic illness, and or other physical issues, such as fertility challenges.

Social work programs are weak on business training and I have had to teach myself business skills along the way. I have assembled a team including an accountant, web designer, lawyer, and a few amazing rotating assistants, that includes a social work student and my god-daughter to help with the rest.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in working with survivors of sexual assault. I use a modality called Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR). EMDR is an effective, evidenced-based tool used to address the trauma symptoms that are a barrier to healthy relationships, work/life balance, and even tasks of daily life. Additionally, I use EMDR to enhance client skills and strengths. This technique can also be used to address symptoms related to a myriad of other issues. I love working with survivors and am in awe of my client’s strengths and the creative ways they adapt and heal.

I am most proud that I keep some pro-bono and reduced rate slots for folks who could not otherwise access therapy. My clients give me the feedback that I am very young at heart and playful which can help put folks at ease.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my twenty years of experience working in a variety of settings. I am very comfortable with multiples issues including issues related to sex, gender, and sexuality. Additionally, because I am so well networked I can really assist clients in getting the right wrap-around care and or getting them to the right level of care if that isn’t me.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, being successful is defined in several ways.

Success is all about knowing what you don’t know and admitting when you need more help. I am not the right fit for everyone, and I am also human and imperfect. If I make a mistake, it’s a learning opportunity for a client and when I own that mistake with them it is good modeling.

Success is also about being a life learner. I believe we have to continue to be curious – we don’t know what we don’t know – until we do. Rather than positioning myself as an expert, I would rather partner with a client and learn with them. In order to hold myself accountable, I am constantly engaging in training and working collaboratively with colleagues.

Another piece of success is self-care. I do my own work attending meetings (Alanon) and seeing my own therapist. More recently, roller skating has become a new challenge and a great way to de-stress.

Pricing:

• 130.00

Contact Info:

• Address: Alison G. Pierucci, LLC
  2433 W 44th Ave
  Denver, CO 80212
• Website: denvertraumatherapist.com
• Phone: 303-250-4454
• Email: alisonpierucci@gmail.com

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