About Allison Major
Psychotherapist, Couples Counselor, & Dating Coach (she/her)
Online therapy and coaching for socially anxious adults, interracial couples, and BIPOCs struggling with identity issues
Hello :) I'm Allison Major. I'm a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#121506), dating coach, and couples counselor who works with people who struggle with self-confidence in relationships. I’m particularly passionate about helping black and indigenous people of color (BIPOC) who feel lost in their identities. My goal is to help you clarify what you want, develop self-esteem, and take positive actions so that you can build happier relationships and a more fulfilling life.
As a coach and therapist, it brings me great joy to help others. This includes:
Showing socially anxious perfectionists how to build self-esteem so that they can develop close friendships and actually enjoy socializing.
Helping depressed singles uncover why they aren't getting past a first or second date so they can find someone to share life with.
Teaching interracial couples how to communicate effectively so they get on the same page and build a stronger relationship.
Supporting BIPOC to develop insight and self-confidence so that they can confidently connect with others.
My journey to becoming a psychotherapist and coach
I’ve been incredibly lucky to know the joy of helping others from an early age. My grandparents are very giving in nature, and never hesitate to lend a hand to greater causes. I grew up watching them offer housing, emotional, financial, and educational support to those in need.
Following in my grandparents’ footsteps, I volunteered in various capacities throughout my childhood and early adulthood, from food shelters to local children’s activity groups to the Peace Corps.
Through those experiences, I realized: yes, everyone needs money, food, and shelter, AND they also need to feel heard, connected and accepted.
I became a therapist and coach because I derive meaning from offering others the connection, support, and kindness they deserve.
As a multicultural black woman, I know what it’s like to exist in a racist society. Watching bad things happen to good people regularly has instilled in me a strong drive to offer others a helping hand.
And thanks to being one half of an interracial couple, I’m passionate about supporting BIPOC to navigate cultural differences in their relationships. I believe wholeheartedly that with the right support, diversity makes relationships stronger.
I know I can only take my clients to places I’ve already gone, so I’m continually looking for ways to grow and change. I hold strong boundaries wherever I go – at work, with friends, and with family – and I ask myself the hard questions: is something about my life not working for me? If so, I’m quick to identify the steps I need to take to make sure I'm living the life I want.
In case you’re still wondering whether I’m human like you, here are some fun facts:
I’m from Alaska! I developed a lot of skills growing up in the wilderness that I try to never leave behind. And yes, the amount of daylight can be strange, but only if you’re new to it. The summertime is wonderful!
I got to live in two different locations outside the US when I was in the Peace Corps: an island in the South Pacific and a country in Sub-Saharan Africa. Traveling throughout the African continent was only half of the reward – I also built lifelong friendships, learned, and developed grit and resolve.
I can recite all 50 states in alphabetical order, in song :)
My why: others’ joy brings me joy
When my clients experience positive life changes, I feel renewed. I will gladly celebrate with you when our hard work has paid off and you find yourself on the path toward a life worth living.
I love people! I’m at my best when I’m socializing, sharing new experiences, and laughing with others. In truth, I’m an extrovert to the max :) At my 80th birthday, I hope people say, “this is going to be a good time!”
Being a therapist and coach is an obvious fit for me. I love meeting people and getting the chance to make someone’s life better.
My unique gifts: positivity, creativity, and indefatigability
People often say that I'm very kind, optimistic, and energetic.
I'm naturally and inherently positive. I believe that there's hope for everyone, so I don't give up easily on people. I can find the good in absolutely everyone, so my clients often leave our sessions feeling hopeful, sometimes for the first time in years.
I believe there’s always more than one way to do anything, which means I’m able to see possibilities others don’t. My clients often say, "I never thought of that" and, "You think so?" I pride myself on creating an open, curious environment that promotes new perspectives.
I’m inherently creative and flexible. Where others see a dead end, I see an opportunity to think outside the box. That's not to say that I have all the answers, but rather that I can help people find a path forward in a way that suits them.
More than anything, I delight in giving my clients the experience of being accepted for who they are, flaws and all.
I am a resource and information collector by nature. I enjoy sharing resources, ideas, books, and activities with my clients. And I advocate for others by helping them navigate difficult systems, including and especially the mental health system.
Think of our sessions as a relationship laboratory
Our sessions will provide you with a safe space where you can gain clarity and relief. In feeling heard, energized, and validated, you'll build self-confidence, learn how to connect with others, and take positive actions towards the life you desire.
I see our sessions as a relationship laboratory, one where we’ll collaborate to support you in all your uniqueness. We’ll consider your history, background, and current needs when designing our experiments. Using known methods and trial and error, you’ll leave our lab with more knowledge and a clear path forward.
As a therapist, I embrace the following philosophies
I believe that:
Love is love is love is love
It's not selfish to take care of yourself
There's a lid for every pot
Fat can be fit
Not all disabilities are visible
We all need the right conditions to bloom
My professional background
I received a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the Wright Institute in 2017 and became a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2020.
That said, I’ve worked in the mental health field since 2007. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with a wide array of people in a variety of settings:
Counseling kids in school-based settings made me even more creative. It also taught me that adults aren’t always correct and everyone deserves a voice.
Running groups for transitional-aged youth gave me a renewed source of energy, excitement, and joy for my chosen field.
Helping unhoused and disadvantaged communities brought me a new level of empathy for those who navigate broken systems. I also found peace by seeing clearly the aspects of those systems that I can’t change.
Supporting adults struggling with substance abuse and trauma gave me a greater understanding of the power of community. Just as society can harm people, support systems can heal them.
Helping adults with eating disorders develop a healthy relationship with their bodies and food taught me what a joy it is to help people feel better about themselves.
Each of my clinical experiences gave me more tools for my toolbox, which I now share joyfully with my clients at the Relationship Center, Social Anxiety Support Center, and Bay Area Dating Coach.
Services I provide
Let’s discover how I can help
Start building happier relationships and a more fulfilling life. If you think I might be your best fit therapist or coach, reach out and let us know.
When you reach out, you'll talk to our Care Coordinator about what’s going on for you, ask any questions you may have, and get scheduled for your first session with me.
Fill out the free 30-minute consultation application today to get started. I'm here to help :)