Allison Thomson

Accepting clients Hi, I’m Allison – a registered clinical counsellor providing specialized play therapy, as well as youth and family counselling across Victoria and Langford, BC! I’ve always been drawn to people, their stories, and finding ways to support them. My journey began when I was eight years old, when I knew I wanted to work with young people with diverse abilities. My mom was an EA in the school system; when she shared about her experience, I felt excited and connected with how much relationship can support another person. Since then, I’ve worked in group homes, childcare, schools, family services, counselling, and university settings. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria in 2019, graduating with distinction, followed by a Master of Arts in Child and Youth Care in 2022. My graduate research explored the use of tactile objects in Child and Youth Care practice and was published in 2023. I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), BC Registered Play Therapist (BCRPT), Certified Synergetic Play Therapist, and AutPlay® Therapist. I’ve completed over 260 hours of Play Therapy training, along with additional training in trauma-informed practice, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Indigenous Trauma Across the Lifespan, TransCare, and somatic approaches. I also serve on the board of the British Columbia Play Therapy Association. My approach I love working with children, youth, adults, parents, and families, with a particular focus on children. I support people experiencing anxiety, neurodivergence (ADHD, ASD, PDA, Giftedness), low mood, grief, trauma, emotional regulation challenges, social difficulties, life transitions, and relationship challenges. My approach is warm, collaborative, and relationship-based. I draw from play therapy, somatic work, and narrative therapy, with a strong focus on the nervous system. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where we can explore what you’re experiencing together. I believe that healing happens through connection, feeling understood, and having the space to be yourself. Sometimes that means developing practical tools; sometimes it means making sense of what’s happening beneath the surface; and sometimes it simply means having someone alongside you. And honestly, I just really like people. I like hearing their stories, noticing the little things that make them who they are, and getting to be part of their journey for a while. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly. My non-work life My family is super important to me! My husband and I live in the forest with our 3 kids (well, two are basically adults now), dog, cat and five chickens. I like working out, great movies, plants, finding reasons to laugh and sharing lots of smiles with the people around me. I think those everyday pieces of who we are matter – they’re part of what makes us human. It’s a privilege to walk alongside people through their experiences, and I’m really looking forward to meeting you. Reach out with any questions!