Professional CV

  • Licensed therapist, psychiatric social worker, and researcher specializing in trauma-informed, culturally grounded care. Integrates transpersonal psychology, ecopsychology, holistic mind-body-spirit practices, and neuroscience-based neuropsychotherapy to advance equitable healing for youth, families, and other vulnerable populations.

  • 2024 - 2026

    Saybrook university

    • Masters in Applied Psychophysiology, MS

    • Neurofeedback Certification

    2020 - 2024

    Sofia University

    • Doctor of Philosophy, PhD

    • Transpersonal Psychology

    2017 - 2019

    University of Southern California

    • Master of Social Work, MSW

    • Children, Youth & Families

    2011 - 2016

    California State University, Los Angeles

    • Bachelor of Arts, BA

    • Sociology

  • 2023 – Present

    Licensed Psychotherapist

    Private Practice, Telehealth & In-Person

    2021 – Present

    Psychiatric Social Worker

    Los Angeles Unified School District

    2019 – 2021

    Clinician

    South Coast Community Services-Children’s Intensive Services

    2018 – 2019

    Social Work Intern

    Dangerfield Institute of Urban Problems

    2017 – 2018

    School Social Work Intern

    Glendale Unified School District

    2015 – 2017

    Behavioral Therapist (BII)

    Inclusive Education and Community Partnership

    2016

    Life Skills and Student Services Coordinator Intern

    LA Kitchen

    2014

    Children’s Law Center

    Student Law Intern

  • 2024, Doctoral Researcher

    Sofia University

    • Led a comprehensive study on ecotherapy and trauma recovery.

    • Designed and implemented research methodology and collected and analyzed data.

  • Wilson-Dixon, A. (2024). The Role of Nature in Healing Trauma: A Study of Trauma Recovery in Emerging Adults. (Doctoral dissertation, Sofia University). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

    • Guest Lecturer, (2026, May and 2025, May). “Understanding Trauma in Adolescents: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Differential Assessment in School Settings.” UCLA Luskin School of Social Work, Los Angeles, CA.

    • Guest Speaker, (2025, October and May). “Trauma in Adolescence: Differential Diagnosis & Trauma-Informed Assessment.” Child, Adolescent & Family Programs, Maple Counseling Center (virtual).

    • Panel Speaker, (2025, May 31). “What Is Collective Healing? A Call to Allyship and Advocacy Within and Beyond the Latinx Community.” 19th Annual Latinx Conference: Behavioral Health, Advocacy, and Resilience in the Latinx Community, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA.

    • Guest Speaker, (2024, October 12). “The Role of Nature in Healing Trauma in Emerging Adults.” National Association of Black Social Workers Greater LA Chapter Meeting (virtual).

    • Conference Speaker, (2024, August 17). “The Impact of Nature on Trauma Recovery in Emerging Adults.” Global Mental Health Conference, Sofia University, Palo Alto, CA.

    • Peer Reviewer, Ecopsychology (Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.), 2025.

    Reviewed manuscript titled “Growing Up with Family Trauma and Access to Natural Spaces” based on dissertation expertise in nature-based trauma recovery.

    • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (Evergreen Certifications), 2024

    • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) – 40 hrs, USC/CHLA, 2024

    • FOCUS Resilience Curriculum Facilitator – 12 hrs, UCLA-NCCF, 2023

    • Second Step (K-5) Certified Instructor – Committee for Children, 2022

    • Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Tier I/II Coach – LAUSD, 2022

    • HRV Biofeedback Foundations Workshop – 16 hrs, Saybrook University, 2024

    • HIPAA, Suicide Risk Assessment, & Mandated Child-Abuse Reporting – 15+ CE hrs (annual updates; details available on request)

Publications:

  • Wilson-Dixon, A. (2024). The Role of Nature in Healing Trauma in Emerging Adults (Order No. 31328329). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (3067141292). https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/role-nature-healing-trauma-emerging-adults/docview/3067141292/se-2

Books:

  • The Day I Went to Foster Care: A children's book that explores the experiences and emotions of a child entering foster care. Used as a teaching tool and available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

  • Magical Chakra Journey: A children's book focusing on understanding and exploring chakras in a kid-friendly manner, also used educationally and available for purchase on Amazon.

  • Eco-Therapy Workbook for Kids: A comprehensive curriculum with 25+ nature-based activities and printable handouts designed to support children's emotional wellness. Used as a therapeutic resource by clinicians, educators, and parents.

My research focuses on the therapeutic role of nature in healing trauma, particularly in emerging adults. I explore how natural environments contribute to psychological and spiritual healing, offering fresh perspectives on traditional therapeutic practices.

Research and Publications

Speaking Engagements

I regularly share insights from my research at conferences and seminars, highlighting practical applications for clinical practice. And routinely guest speak at various colleges, providing lectures on topics related to fields of social work and psychology.

Conference:

  • Global Conference on Mental Health, 2024 by Sofia University: Delivered a talk on "The Role of Nature in Healing Trauma in Emerging Adults", focusing on how clinicians can incorporate nature-based interventions into trauma recovery strategies.

  • What Is Collective Healing? A Call to Allyship and Advocacy Within and Beyond the Latinx Community: 19th Annual Latinx Conference: Behavioral Health, Advocacy, and Resilience in the Latinx Community, 2025 UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA.