I am currently in private practice in Los Angeles, under the supervision of Devorah Rader, LMFT, PhD. I work with adults, adolescents, couples and families. I specialize in working with individuals who are in the process of healing from the effects of multiple addictions, eating disorders and compulsive disorders that result from developmental trauma. Addiction and related compulsive behaviors are mechanisms in which people cope when they have not learned to experience emotional pain, '"legitimate suffering" (Jung). Contrary to popular belief, substances are not the problem, they are the solution.
I have extensive training and "real-time" experience with treating individuals on personal paths of recovery, as well as the underlying trauma that drives their behavior and contributes to relapse. For more information about my education and background, please go the page About Alyson.
I am confident that we can co-create a safe place where exploring your most intimate struggles is possible. The confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship allows for a deeper exploration of your thoughts and feelings. My intention is to nurture the process while you experience catharsis, eliminating toxicity in the forms of shame, secrets and affliction.
Beginning the course towards self actualization is courageous work. You do not have to be ready for therapy. My focus is on meeting you where you are at, understanding ambivalence as part of the process.
To begin the journey, you have to start somewhere. You are not alone and ultimately, with self-discipline and supprt, you will reach a milestone, or what I have discovered as The Path to ORIT ™
Neurosis is always a substitute for legitimate suffering ~Jung
I have extensive training and "real-time" experience with treating individuals on personal paths of recovery, as well as the underlying trauma that drives their behavior and contributes to relapse. For more information about my education and background, please go the page About Alyson.
I am confident that we can co-create a safe place where exploring your most intimate struggles is possible. The confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship allows for a deeper exploration of your thoughts and feelings. My intention is to nurture the process while you experience catharsis, eliminating toxicity in the forms of shame, secrets and affliction.
Beginning the course towards self actualization is courageous work. You do not have to be ready for therapy. My focus is on meeting you where you are at, understanding ambivalence as part of the process.
To begin the journey, you have to start somewhere. You are not alone and ultimately, with self-discipline and supprt, you will reach a milestone, or what I have discovered as The Path to ORIT ™
Neurosis is always a substitute for legitimate suffering ~Jung
A creative, empathic and authentic personality, Alyson Stack brings an eclectic, individualized approach to her therapeutic work. Alyson combines her education and clinical training with personal experiences, and has developed an interpersonal method for addressing life's challenges.
In addition to her private practice, Alyson currently works at a dynamic licensed residential treatment center in West Hollywood. Here she runs process groups, meets with individual clients and provides programming and staff supervison. Formerly, Alyson has held positions at a well-renowned eating disorder center and a non-profit facility in West Los Angeles. For deeper fulfillment, she serves as a volunteer for several professional organizations, including NEDA's STAR (States for Treatment and Research) and the Eating Disorder Coalition, both raising awarenes on current eating disorder legislation and advocacy efforts.
Alyson has counseled a collection of people in a wide range of demographics, including, addiction, eating disorders, relationships, early trauma, anxiety, mood disorders and Borderline personality disorder. She is on her path to becoming a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and author.
EDUCATION & PUBLICATIONS
California State University Northridge | Masters of Science Degree, Marriage and Family Therapy, summa cum laude | Thesis: Linking Spiritual Dogmas: Educating Today's Helpers Implement Judaism and 12-Steps into the Recovery Process.
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Broadcast Communication Arts | San Francisco State University | Production: Huchay Runas: Public Service Announcement to raise awareness for child poverty in Cusco Perú.
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Spanish Language & History | San Francisco State University
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
| AAMFT - American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
| CAMFT - California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
| LA-CAMFT - Los Angeles Chapter of CAMFT
| EDC - Eating Disorders Coalition, for research, policy and action
| NEDA - National Eating Disorders Association
| Phi Lambda Theta - International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education
| Sigma Alpha Pi - The National Society of Leadership and Success
In addition to her private practice, Alyson currently works at a dynamic licensed residential treatment center in West Hollywood. Here she runs process groups, meets with individual clients and provides programming and staff supervison. Formerly, Alyson has held positions at a well-renowned eating disorder center and a non-profit facility in West Los Angeles. For deeper fulfillment, she serves as a volunteer for several professional organizations, including NEDA's STAR (States for Treatment and Research) and the Eating Disorder Coalition, both raising awarenes on current eating disorder legislation and advocacy efforts.
Alyson has counseled a collection of people in a wide range of demographics, including, addiction, eating disorders, relationships, early trauma, anxiety, mood disorders and Borderline personality disorder. She is on her path to becoming a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and author.
EDUCATION & PUBLICATIONS
California State University Northridge | Masters of Science Degree, Marriage and Family Therapy, summa cum laude | Thesis: Linking Spiritual Dogmas: Educating Today's Helpers Implement Judaism and 12-Steps into the Recovery Process.
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Broadcast Communication Arts | San Francisco State University | Production: Huchay Runas: Public Service Announcement to raise awareness for child poverty in Cusco Perú.
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Spanish Language & History | San Francisco State University
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
| AAMFT - American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
| CAMFT - California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
| LA-CAMFT - Los Angeles Chapter of CAMFT
| EDC - Eating Disorders Coalition, for research, policy and action
| NEDA - National Eating Disorders Association
| Phi Lambda Theta - International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education
| Sigma Alpha Pi - The National Society of Leadership and Success
What is ORIT? (pronounced O-RIT)
It is possible for each of us to recover from adversity, find purpose, and ultimately ORIT, or inner light. Through application of The Path to ORIT ™ process, clients learn the methods not only to recover, but also to unlock their inner brilliance. Brilliance reveals itself once purpose is established, the necessary fuel for one’s inner drive.
How ORIT Began
Alyson discovered the ORIT process after years of pervasive darkness. Alyson’s wildly desperate life ultimately resulted in emotional and financial ruin. Alyson knew she reached bottom when a close friend of twenty years disinvited Alyson from her bridal party. Later, in her second year of recovery, Alyson received the gift of redemption when another close friend asked her to participate in the Katubah signing of her marriage. The significance of this request set the recovering alcoholic on a path of discovery.
Deeply honored, Alyson began a search for a Hebrew name, needed to appropriately sign the Katubah covenant. An image of her great aunt emerged reminding Alyson of her former self. Smiling, Alyson’s great aunt had proudly proclaimed how Alyson “lit up rooms.” This buried memory triggered an epiphany in Alyson; she had recovered her lost Light. Alyson’s Hebrew name would be Orit. Alyson had sought a name for a ceremony, but had found her soul.
The honor of signing the Katubah illuminated much to Alyson. Relationships were repairing, trust was reestablishing, and connections were providing purpose. The Promises were revealed. This was Alyon’s Path to ORIT™.
Life after ORIT
Alyson is now proud to have been in five more weddings, including her sister’s. Alyson is currently writing a book exploring the tribulations and ultimate successes encountered on her personal Path to ORIT™.
It is possible for each of us to recover from adversity, find purpose, and ultimately ORIT, or inner light. Through application of The Path to ORIT ™ process, clients learn the methods not only to recover, but also to unlock their inner brilliance. Brilliance reveals itself once purpose is established, the necessary fuel for one’s inner drive.
How ORIT Began
Alyson discovered the ORIT process after years of pervasive darkness. Alyson’s wildly desperate life ultimately resulted in emotional and financial ruin. Alyson knew she reached bottom when a close friend of twenty years disinvited Alyson from her bridal party. Later, in her second year of recovery, Alyson received the gift of redemption when another close friend asked her to participate in the Katubah signing of her marriage. The significance of this request set the recovering alcoholic on a path of discovery.
Deeply honored, Alyson began a search for a Hebrew name, needed to appropriately sign the Katubah covenant. An image of her great aunt emerged reminding Alyson of her former self. Smiling, Alyson’s great aunt had proudly proclaimed how Alyson “lit up rooms.” This buried memory triggered an epiphany in Alyson; she had recovered her lost Light. Alyson’s Hebrew name would be Orit. Alyson had sought a name for a ceremony, but had found her soul.
The honor of signing the Katubah illuminated much to Alyson. Relationships were repairing, trust was reestablishing, and connections were providing purpose. The Promises were revealed. This was Alyon’s Path to ORIT™.
Life after ORIT
Alyson is now proud to have been in five more weddings, including her sister’s. Alyson is currently writing a book exploring the tribulations and ultimate successes encountered on her personal Path to ORIT™.
Recommended Readings
Eating Disorders
Eating in the Light of the Moon, Author: Anita Johnson
Intuitive Eating, Authors: Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch
Life Without ED, Author: Jenni Schaefer
The Eating Disorder Sourcebook, Author: Carolyn Costin
Unbearable Lightness, Author: Portia de Rossi
Wasted, Author: Marya Hornbacher
Alcoholism & Addiction
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous *(pp. 63-65, 86, 268, 417)
Drinking a Love Story, Author: Caroline Knapp
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, Author: Gabor Maté
Smashed, Author: Karen Zailckas
Spiritual/Existential
Each Day a New Beginning, Author: Karen Horney
Ten Steps to your Best, Author: Rabbi Twerski
The Eight Human Talents, Author: Gurmukh
The Thirteen Petalled Rose, Author: Edin Steinsaltz
The Road Less Traveled, Author: Scott Peck
Articles
When Addiction Counselors Relapse by Jeff Forester
Sober Travel Guide by Kristen McGuiness
Our Guide to Recovery Radio, featuring KLEAN by Laura Vogel
Study of Brain's Opioid Receptor/Endorphin System Holds Promise for Bulimia Treatment | Science Daily
Specific Regions of Brain Implicated in Anorexia | Science Daily
Mental Healthy Parity Act for Eating Disorders | NAMI
Anorexia linked to chemical in brain | AP
Websites & Social Networks
Eating Disorders
NEDA | National Eating Disorders Association | Providing help & hope to those affected by EDs.
EDA | Eating Disorder Anonymous | *Balance- not abstinence- is the goal.
EDC | Eating Disorder Coalition | An organization with the mission to advance the federal recognition of EDs as a public healthy priority.
Jenni Schaefer | Well renowned author & ED activist.
MentorCONNECT | First global eating disorders mentoring organization.
Something-Fishy | Dedicated to raising awareness & providing support to people with EDs and their loved ones.
Alcoholism, Addiction & Family support
Alcoholics Anonymous | www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
Al-Anon/Alateen | www.al-anon.org
Adult Children of Alcoholics | www.AdultChildren.org
Debtors Anonymous | www.debtorsanonymous.com
Gamblers Anonymous | www.gamblersanonymous.com
Dual Recovery Anonymous | www.draonline.com
Marijuana Anonymous | www.marijuana-anonymous.com
Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous | www.slaafws.org
NIDA | National Institute of Drug Abuse | The science of drug abuse and addiction.
SAMHSA | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration | Improving the quality & availability of substance abuse prevention & treatment.
Buddhist Recovery| The use of Buddhist teachings to help people recover from the suffering caused by addictive behaviors.
Mental Health Care & Additional Resources
NIMH | National Institute of Mental Health | Transforming the understanding & treatment of mental illness through research.
MARC | UCLA Semel Institute | Mindful Awareness Research Center
ISNR | International Society for Neurofeedback & Research
SAVE | Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
National Child Abuse Hotline
National Center on Elder Abuse
Eating Disorders
Eating in the Light of the Moon, Author: Anita Johnson
Intuitive Eating, Authors: Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch
Life Without ED, Author: Jenni Schaefer
The Eating Disorder Sourcebook, Author: Carolyn Costin
Unbearable Lightness, Author: Portia de Rossi
Wasted, Author: Marya Hornbacher
Alcoholism & Addiction
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous *(pp. 63-65, 86, 268, 417)
Drinking a Love Story, Author: Caroline Knapp
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, Author: Gabor Maté
Smashed, Author: Karen Zailckas
Spiritual/Existential
Each Day a New Beginning, Author: Karen Horney
Ten Steps to your Best, Author: Rabbi Twerski
The Eight Human Talents, Author: Gurmukh
The Thirteen Petalled Rose, Author: Edin Steinsaltz
The Road Less Traveled, Author: Scott Peck
Articles
When Addiction Counselors Relapse by Jeff Forester
Sober Travel Guide by Kristen McGuiness
Our Guide to Recovery Radio, featuring KLEAN by Laura Vogel
Study of Brain's Opioid Receptor/Endorphin System Holds Promise for Bulimia Treatment | Science Daily
Specific Regions of Brain Implicated in Anorexia | Science Daily
Mental Healthy Parity Act for Eating Disorders | NAMI
Anorexia linked to chemical in brain | AP
Websites & Social Networks
Eating Disorders
NEDA | National Eating Disorders Association | Providing help & hope to those affected by EDs.
EDA | Eating Disorder Anonymous | *Balance- not abstinence- is the goal.
EDC | Eating Disorder Coalition | An organization with the mission to advance the federal recognition of EDs as a public healthy priority.
Jenni Schaefer | Well renowned author & ED activist.
MentorCONNECT | First global eating disorders mentoring organization.
Something-Fishy | Dedicated to raising awareness & providing support to people with EDs and their loved ones.
Alcoholism, Addiction & Family support
Alcoholics Anonymous | www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
Al-Anon/Alateen | www.al-anon.org
Adult Children of Alcoholics | www.AdultChildren.org
Debtors Anonymous | www.debtorsanonymous.com
Gamblers Anonymous | www.gamblersanonymous.com
Dual Recovery Anonymous | www.draonline.com
Marijuana Anonymous | www.marijuana-anonymous.com
Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous | www.slaafws.org
NIDA | National Institute of Drug Abuse | The science of drug abuse and addiction.
SAMHSA | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration | Improving the quality & availability of substance abuse prevention & treatment.
Buddhist Recovery| The use of Buddhist teachings to help people recover from the suffering caused by addictive behaviors.
Mental Health Care & Additional Resources
NIMH | National Institute of Mental Health | Transforming the understanding & treatment of mental illness through research.
MARC | UCLA Semel Institute | Mindful Awareness Research Center
ISNR | International Society for Neurofeedback & Research
SAVE | Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
National Child Abuse Hotline
National Center on Elder Abuse
If you have questions or want more information, please feel free to call me at 310.256.9234.
If I am unable to answer the phone, you may leave a confidential voicemail and I will return your call as soon as possible. Please let me know convenient times to reach you, and whether it's okay to leave you a message if you're not available. I look forward to speaking with you.
OFFICE LOCATION
My office is conveniently located at 116 N. Robertson Blvd. Suite 806 Los Angeles, 90048. (Directly across from The Ivy Restaurant)
PARKING
There is two-hour metered parking on Robertson and Beverly Blvd. There seems to be a constant flow of open spots.
FEES & PAYMENT OPTIONS
Fees are paid in full at the begining of each session. You can pay for your sessions using check or cash.
FORMS
Download the necessary form(s) below and bring with you to your first visit.
If I am unable to answer the phone, you may leave a confidential voicemail and I will return your call as soon as possible. Please let me know convenient times to reach you, and whether it's okay to leave you a message if you're not available. I look forward to speaking with you.
OFFICE LOCATION
My office is conveniently located at 116 N. Robertson Blvd. Suite 806 Los Angeles, 90048. (Directly across from The Ivy Restaurant)
PARKING
There is two-hour metered parking on Robertson and Beverly Blvd. There seems to be a constant flow of open spots.
FEES & PAYMENT OPTIONS
Fees are paid in full at the begining of each session. You can pay for your sessions using check or cash.
FORMS
Download the necessary form(s) below and bring with you to your first visit.
alystack@gmail.com
310.256.9234
