Ask a Therapist: Spotlight Interview with Alison Nugent
Alison Nugent, LCSW LCSW-R
By: Stefanie Jackowitz-Robinson, LMSW, and Mariannna Vandysheva, BAAt City Therapy, we understand that finding the right therapist in NYC can feel personal and, at times, overwhelming. The therapeutic relationship plays a crucial role in the success of therapy which makes it essential to find someone who truly feels like the right fit. In this “Ask a therapist” spotlight interview, we sit down with Alison Nugent, LCSW, LCSW-R, one of our dedicated NYC therapists, to get to know more about her interests and her experience in the field. As a NYC therapy practice that accepts insurance, we strive to make quality psychotherapy accessible to those seeking support. In making this process more transparent, we want to offer an inside look at our therapists and provide a space to ask the questions people are most curious about when it comes to therapy. Keep reading to learn more about Alison’s unique approach and the work she loves.
Interview with Alison Nugent, LCSW LCSW-R
How long have you been at City Therapy?
This spring will be 6 years.
What do you like best about being a therapist?
First of all, I can’t imagine being anything else but a therapist. I love how it perfectly aligns with my own personal work on myself as a human being and a person as well as then the work that I do with clients. I love how there’s a parallel path and you just never stop learning and growing and maturing. You get to do it with your clients and you get to do it with yourself and what better job could there be than something that allows both those things to happen at the same time.
I think I’m a real people person. I’m an extreme introvert, but on a one-on-one basis with my therapy clients, I have a real genuine caring for, and I think authenticity with, that experience with each of my clients, so it just really lends itself to both who I am as a person and who I am as a therapist.”
If there is one thing you could tell someone who is on the fence about starting therapy for the first time, what would it be?
I think that therapists come in every shape and size, metaphorically. And you really do have to find a good fit. You just can’t judge therapy based on a momentary or preliminary one-on-one experience with another human being and think that that’s therapy. If for whatever reason you don’t feel that it’s really helpful, then absolutely be willing to share that honestly with your therapist and be willing to do a little bit of work. That might mean trying out a few therapists before making a decision. I tell my clients I’m not the be-all-end-all- it’s just me. My goal is to make sure that you’re with the right therapist for you and if this isn’t the right spot for you, that’s ok. My goal would be for you to find that. I try to give people a real open door and I’ll say, “There’s no ego here, my goal is for you to have the right therapist.” And, usually, believe it or not, that very openness lets a client know that this is a safe place to stay.
When you are not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?
I enjoy two things, other than being married to my long-term partner of 35 years. I love learning new things about therapy and psychology and how to become a better and better clinician. I’m always looking for new ways to share, to talk, to frame, to present. I’m always studying.
The second thing I love is crafting. I make wonderful bun flowers for dancers. I’ve made bun flowers all the way back to when I was a dancer and a young child myself. I was always gluing flowers onto barrettes for my hair. It’s something I’ve loved my whole life. I made them for my daughter when she was young and she was dancing. I literally give away thousands of bun flowers every year. It’s a way to relax. I’m never sitting idle. I’m either exploring something, reading something, working on bun flowers, or talking with my husband and sharing time with him.
You were a dancer when you were younger?
Yes. Classical Ballet. And my daughter was as well.
Favorite snack or dessert? Salty or sweet?
I like both. My husband will buy me these little ice creams and make me little scoops in the evening with some pistachios on top.
Favorite Movie?
I have several favorite movies. Probably my favorite is a Tom Hanks movie called Joe Versus the Volcano. I love it because it’s about spiritual transformation and certainly psychological transformation. He’s with Meg Ryan in the movie and they are always delightful together, those two.
Favorite Book of all time?
Illusions by Richard Bach. It’s just a little story, but it was one of the most eye-opening, transformative stories that I could have found in my early 20s that has really been with me my whole life. I’ve probably read it more times than any book I’ve read and probably I’ve given it away more times than any other book I’ve given away. It’s a little tiny paperback, but a delightful story again about growth, change, and transformation.