We’re looking forward to introducing you to Allyson Inez Ford . Check out our conversation below.
Allyson Inez, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
As a CEO with ADHD, I easily lose track of time! Especially when it comes to engaging in my “special interests.” ADHDers have what is called “interest based nervous systems.” This is a blessing and a curse. What it means is, those of us with ADHD can hyper focus on things that are of high interest to us, we can quickly become experts with the hours of time we spend consuming information about our special interests. In turn, we also often experience time amnesia, where we are so consumed we lose track of time and other tasks fall behind us. In terms of running my therapy private practice, luckily for me my main special interest is psychology. This is a huge strength when it comes to being an expert in my niche of the therapy world!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I run a professional corporation- a group therapy private practice called Eating Disorder and OCD Therapy. We are based in San Diego, but offer therapy virtually in CA, WA, UT and FL as well. What makes our team unique is that we all have lived experience of recovering from Eating Disorders and/or OCD. We don’t shy away from making that known because we find that helps clients feel more comfortable with us. Yes, we are trained professionals and licensed therapists with Master’s Degrees, but we are are also real humans and have wisdom from overcoming our own challenges. Our clients know they can come to us judgement free and seek the support they are needing.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My very first therapist. I have had the honor of having two incredible therapists in my lifetime so far. They each have served different purposes in my life. My first one, I credit to saving my life (even though she would say I did all the work). She guided me through my own Eating Disorder, at a time when I was so lost and disconnected from myself. I can’t tell you exactly what it was that made us “click”- but we did. I trusted her, she made me feel seen, connected and supported me in the moments I wanted to give up. She encouraged me to follow my dreams of becoming a therapist, and made me believe I could do it. And here I am today, doing it AND recovered!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her- it’s okay to have painful emotions sometimes. You aren’t alone in feeling lonely, not good enough, unimportant. It’s not your fault you feel these things. It’s not your fault bad things happened to you. One day, it will all make more sense and you will not feel this way forever. Don’t give up.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That therapy can heal all wounds. This isn’t true. I value therapy so much, it has saved my life. But many people need things therapy cannot provide- such as safe and stable housing, affordable healthcare, secure attachments outside the therapy room, to name a few. Therapy is incredible, but it isn’t everything and it isn’t about “fixing.”
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
That we all have some kind of pain. It’s easy to compare and misjudge people’s lives. But I have worked with people of all backgrounds, of all income levels. Some of the most wealthy people are the most miserable and trapped. Everyone is holding something painful they aren’t sharing with the world. For some its an eating disorder, for others it might be addiction, abuse, neglect, deep loneliness, loss of a child, poverty, living with chronic pain or a chronic illness, living with no family to help in times of need, struggling with suicidal thoughts. Trust me, everyone has something, most of us just hide it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodyjustice.therapist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatingdisorderocdtherapy/
- Other: Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/body-justice/id1544021404
Image Credits
Amy Gray Photography
