Ally Masterson, Clinical Intern

Pronouns - she/her/ella

Approach to Therapy:

I believe in the transformative power of therapy and the healing potential of human connection. Human beings are fundamentally relational, and the bond between client and therapist can serve as a conduit to the transformative work that unfolds in therapy. Therapy is also about finding the right fit. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe to show up fully & authentically themselves, free from judgment, and supported in fostering self-compassion. 

My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in deep respect for each person’s story. I have done my own work in therapy, so I know how life-changing it can be and how vulnerable it feels to sit in the client’s chair. I integrate somatic (body-based) awareness and mindfulness practices, and am guided by curiosity and care.

No human being is illegal, and my goal is to provide inclusive, culturally responsive care to all clients, regardless of background or status. As a bilingual Spanish-English speaker, I am dedicated to serving Spanish-speaking clients.

Clinical Interests:

I enjoy working with adult individuals, couples, and families. My areas of interest include trauma, grief, aging, attachments, body image and disordered eating, cross-cultural identity, recovery from negative religious experiences, and supporting loved ones of individuals with personality disorders. 

I draw from somatic therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS), and I align with person-centered, existential, Gestalt, and mindfulness-based approaches. I’m especially interested in how we make meaning of our lived experiences, and how we carry our stories in both mind & body.

Education and Training:

I hold two bachelor’s degrees in Spanish & Religious Studies from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in Spanish from Loyola University Chicago. Before my career change to counseling, I worked as a college-level Spanish instructor and a translator at an immigration law firm. Currently, I’m pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Certificate in Couple and Family Therapy from Northeastern Illinois University.

Outside of school, I have over 300 hours of professional training in S.A.T. somatic therapy. I earned a certificate in Conducting Therapy in Spanish & Working with the Latino Population through Spanish for Counselors. I’ve also recently completed Level 1 training of Befriending Your Body (BFYB), a trauma-informed somatic self-compassion recovery program. 

3 Things I Love:

Astrology, vegan food, & trotting the globe

Ally is supervised by Kristen Troian, LMFT.

Ally can be reached at allym@amandaatkinschicago.com.