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Alison watts, CMHC
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I’m often told that I’m easy to talk to. I’ve had my own struggles and I know how scary it can feel to be so vulnerable and uncertain of who to trust. Fortunately, with help, I found my way through the pain and became a stronger person. I’m honored to have worked with so many people over the years in the most dire of circumstances and to have witnessed them transform their experiences into a life of purpose.
I have worked extensively with teens, families and women in crisis at Salt Lake County Youth Services, YWCA Teen Home program and the Utah Youth Village. At Valley Mental Health, I worked with many people suffering from schizophrenia and other related disorders. This was an eye opening experience in understanding how the mind works and how people respond when they know someone is listening and cares about what they have to say. During this time, I also answered calls on the crisis hotline. I was glad to be there to help these callers understand that there is hope.
I went on to specialize in addiction and obtained certification in Addiction Counseling from the University of Utah while I worked at the VOA detox center. Soon after, I received my Bachelors Degree in Sociology, and Masters Degree in Counseling/Mental Health Counseling.
One of my most rewarding experiences has been supporting women in the Utah State Prison system and teaching them life skills. Many of these women have ended up there as a result of post traumatic stress that was left untreated. These are amazing women capable of so much and I have a passion for empowering them. I’m a mother of two amazing daughters and it’s important for me to teach them what they’re worth.
I have worked extensively with teens, families and women in crisis at Salt Lake County Youth Services, YWCA Teen Home program and the Utah Youth Village. At Valley Mental Health, I worked with many people suffering from schizophrenia and other related disorders. This was an eye opening experience in understanding how the mind works and how people respond when they know someone is listening and cares about what they have to say. During this time, I also answered calls on the crisis hotline. I was glad to be there to help these callers understand that there is hope.
I went on to specialize in addiction and obtained certification in Addiction Counseling from the University of Utah while I worked at the VOA detox center. Soon after, I received my Bachelors Degree in Sociology, and Masters Degree in Counseling/Mental Health Counseling.
One of my most rewarding experiences has been supporting women in the Utah State Prison system and teaching them life skills. Many of these women have ended up there as a result of post traumatic stress that was left untreated. These are amazing women capable of so much and I have a passion for empowering them. I’m a mother of two amazing daughters and it’s important for me to teach them what they’re worth.