- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions support
- Mind-body exercises
About Allie
Allie Vierra is a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with eight years of clinical experience. She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, self-esteem concerns, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes, and lists young adult issues among her focus areas.
Allie earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara, and a Bachelor’s in Sociology and Criminal Justice from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Early in her career she worked at a local nonprofit family services agency. She later served as the lead therapist for a wraparound justice-involved program in San Luis Obispo County.
Her work includes support for people facing chronic homelessness, severe mental illness, and substance use disorders. She has more than seven years of experience with addiction, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma. She also has experience with youth involved in child welfare and people in the criminal justice system.
In sessions she collaborates with clients to identify the most useful approach for their goals. She uses exercises that build present-moment awareness and mind-body integration. The focus is on staying with feelings rather than avoiding them, and on trying new ways of seeing limiting beliefs.
Allie aims to be genuine in sessions and encourages clients to do the same. Therapy includes both lighter moments and hard work. Over time clients practice coping strategies, recognize internal strengths, and build confidence in managing life’s challenges.
How her approaches translate to online work
Allie describes using techniques that build present-moment awareness and mind-body integration. Present-moment awareness involves noticing thoughts and sensations as they arise and learning to tolerate difficult feelings. This can help with anxiety, stress, and mood concerns by reducing automatic reactivity. Mind-body integration includes grounding and breathing exercises that link physical sensations with emotional experience. These practices can be useful for managing strong emotions and cravings related to addiction.She also emphasizes staying with feelings instead of avoiding them and rethinking limiting perceptions. That process often includes experiments in session and homework that test new ways of responding. Figuring out which combination of approaches fits best is a collaborative process; the therapist and client decide together based on needs, goals, and preferences.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find online sessions helpful because they fit into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and make it easier to keep regular check-ins. Some formats need less bandwidth or can be shorter for quick updates, while others allow for more in-depth work. Talk with the therapist to arrange a structure that fits your daily life and goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, self-esteem struggles, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes. Young adult issues are listed among her focus areas.
What is her style in sessions?
She works collaboratively to choose approaches that fit each person's goals. Sessions use present-moment awareness and mind-body exercises to address feelings rather than avoid them.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has eight years of experience in clinical settings, including roles with nonprofit family services and a county wraparound program.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a California LMFT and practices in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I need to do to start?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.