Allison L. Pharris, MFT, graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine and is in the process of becoming licensed as a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT). Allison has experience working therapeutically with a wide variety of clients through the Mercer Family Therapy Center, DeKalb County Women’s Resource Center, Forsyth County Juvenile Court System, and the State of Georgia Department of Family and Children Services has driven her to gain a better understanding of children, families and relationship dynamics. In these roles, Allison gained experience acting as a healing presence and tailoring treatment plans specific to clients in times of emotional difficulty with a focus on improving family functioning and connection. Allison’s goal has always been to provide a genuine, warm, therapeutic relationship her clients can use for healing and growth.
Allison was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and has lived in various cities around the state. She loves spending time outdoors, gardening, hiking, or just taking a walk around the neighborhood with her fiancé and their dog, Clover. Allison also enjoys taking trips to the beach and getting out on the river in her kayak. Reading is one of Allison’s favorite ways to spend time. Lately, she has been reading books about mindfulness and incorporating mindfulness practice into everyday life. Allison also likes trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, and watching home improvement shows.
Allison takes an existential, experiential approach in therapy and loves collaborating with clients when it comes to creative expression. Allison practices from the belief that all people are inherently good and oriented towards growth, health, and healing in the core of their being. She helps clients access this core by encouraging authentic interactions, mindfulness, genuine emotional expression, art and play therapies, sand tray therapies, and by building a strong therapeutic alliance. Many of Allison’s clients have found a sense of wholeness. They notice an increase in self-awareness and self-acceptance. Allison’s passion and dedication to her work, as well as her genuine interest in her client’s well-being, contribute to success in therapy.
Thrive Counseling Center 