Howdy! 🤠 

I’m Al, a superfat, neurodivergent trans dyke (they/them) born and raised in central Texas. I grew up learning that the keys to a good life were to be thin and to spend all your time and energy trying to be really, really good at stuff. I tried that for a long time and ran myself into the ground. 

Folks tend to find the social work profession for a reason—it’s no coincidence that I specialize in work with queer, trans, and fat folks with eating disorders and complex trauma. My recovery sounded a lot like my care team saying “no wonder you’re so exhausted” and “let’s learn how to rest” on repeat. It was excruciating. I can’t tell you how many times my therapist talked me through cancelling plans once I realized I’d overbooked myself. I try to bring that same energy into my work with clients. 

I spent a lot of time surrounded by many of my own providers who just didn’t “get it.” They didn’t know what it’s like to be taught to disconnect from your body. They didn’t know what it’s like to be starving and fat at the same time. They didn’t know what it’s like to struggle to find big enough clothes that are gender affirming. They didn’t know what it’s like to go to the doctor and be prescribed an eating disorder as treatment for a simple cough. Those experiences are so demoralizing, and it can be so alienating to feel like nobody out there understands your lived experience. 

I believe my job as a therapist is to be with you, really see you, and genuinely care for you. I’ll encourage collaboration with other providers while also understanding that it can be so hard to feel safe seeking care from people we don’t know. I’ll also make room for the fact that sometimes the best we can do is just keep existing.

I also believe it’s my job as a therapist to *not* be a blank slate. My therapeutic style is grounded and guided by liberatory and abolitionist practices—this means I do my best to acknowledge why we have the pain, trauma, and experiences that we have. Our work together will be rooted in your values and goals for yourself, as well as my knowledge of body liberation, social justice, anti-racism, harm reduction, and the mechanics of eating disorders. 

We’ll talk a lot, laugh a lot, (probably) cry a bit, get really angry about a lot of things, and hopefully we’ll also learn how to care for you better. You were born wise with pleasure and joy as your birthright, and if you’re anything like me the world stole that from you. Let’s go take it back.

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In my free time, I’m an active member of the leatherdyke community with a hunger for learning about leather history. I’m also re-learning a love for cooking (not doing the dishes), driving fast with the windows down, and spending time with the people and animals who nourish me. I rest as much as I can.

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In addition to a limited caseload, I offer individual and group consultations, trainings, and intern supervision. 

The name listed on my state license is Alison Clifton.

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