Allyson Baraban (MFT Trainee)

Clinicians
Written By Natalie Small

Rooted in somatic practice, trauma healing, and earth-based wisdom, I offer therapy as a space to slow down, listen inward, and rediscover the body’s natural capacity to heal, feel, and connect.

My journey into this work began as an ocean lifeguard in New York, where I first experienced the sea’s power to regulate, ground, and restore. Later, as a massage therapist, I learned how witnessing the bodys' capacity to hold pain, memories, and also, resilience and joy can be a meaningful experience when it's met with supportive presence.

In our work together, I draw on a blend of somatic awareness, nervous system regulation (informed by Somatic Experiencing), trauma-sensitive care, eco-psychological practices, and depth-oriented inquiry. These tools can help to expand our inner capacities to hold what can feel overwhelming and create space for welcoming all parts of ourselves. Whether we begin with words, emotions, movement, or something harder to define, our work will unfold at your pace. I’m here to walk alongside you as a collaborative presence, supporting a process that’s shaped by the path that feels most meaningful to you.

As the daughter of a South American immigrant, I bring a relational and culturally-attuned lens to this work, honoring the complexity of identity, belonging, and healing across generations. I welcome clients navigating chronic pain, grief, anxiety, transitions, trauma, or simply a longing for more embodiment and ease.

I’m currently completing my MA in Counseling Psychology at Meridian University and welcome new clients into this collaborative and grounded space.

Contact Ally to set up a FREE 15 min intake call

(619) 354-9599‬ or Ally@groundswellcommunity.org

What You Can Expect in Our Work Together:

  1. A Collaborative Relationship
    Therapy is a shared process. I don’t see myself as the expert on your life - rather, I trust that you are. My role is to offer presence, reflection, and support as you explore what feels most meaningful to you.

  2. Pacing That Honors You
    We move at the speed that feels safe and supportive for you. There’s no rush. Whether you come in ready to dive deep or need time to build trust, I’ll meet you where you are.

  3. Multiple Ways of Communicating
    Healing doesn’t always begin with words. Together, we can explore through language, emotion, sensation, movement, silence, or metaphor—whatever feels most accessible and alive for you.

  4. Choice and Agency at the Center
    You guide the direction of our sessions. I will offer tools, reflections, and invitations, but you always get to decide what feels right to engage with. Your intuition, resistance, and curiosity are all welcome here.

  5. An Emphasis on Relationship
    The therapeutic relationship itself can be a powerful space for healing. I strive to build a space of mutual respect, authenticity, and care—where you feel seen, heard, and supported as your full self.

  6. Curiosity Over Judgment
    Our time together isn’t about fixing you—because you’re not broken. Instead, we’ll explore with openness and curiosity, making room for all parts of you to be acknowledged and understood.

  7. Room for Complexity
    You’re not one thing, and neither is your story. Our work can hold the contradictions, questions, identities, and experiences that make you who you are.

Populations I Support

  • Adults

  • Teens

  • Trauma

  • Individuals experiencing chronic pain and seeking pain management

  • Identity Challenges 

  • Neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD

  • People navigating major life transitions

  • Those experiencing anxiety, depression, or grief

Areas of Study & Theoretical Influences

  • Imaginal Psychology

  • Humanistic Psychology

  • Cultural-Relational Theory

  • Depth Psychology

  • Somatic Psychology + Somatic Experiencing

  • Recovery-Oriented Models

  • Liberation Psychology

  • Existentialism

  • Groundswell Curriculum 

Education

  • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (2024–2026)
    Meridian University

  • Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry (2016)
    SUNY Cortland

  • Massage Therapy Certification (2019)
    National Holistic Institute

Professional Trainings & Certifications

  • Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Training (2025–2028)
    Peter Levine 

  • Surf Therapy for Trauma Recovery Training (2025)
    Groundswell Community Project

  • Jungian Eco-Psychological Approach to Connecting with Land and Soul (2025)
    Pacifica Graduate Institute

  • Lymphatic Studies (2023)
    ACOLS Lymphatic Studies Institute

  • Health Coach Training (2023)
    MindBodyGreen

  • Watsu Facilitator Training (2020)

  • 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (2017)



Natalie Small
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