My Approach:
I am passionate about helping others improve their mental health to lead a more balanced and healthy life. I have experience treating adolescents and adults with mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders. I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming provider and I have a passion for working with parents and family members that have children with disabilities. I have worked in several different settings such as a hospital, a juvenile detention center, organizations that provide equine-assisted services, and a medication-assisted treatment clinic. At my full-time job, I specialize in providing Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy which utilizes externalization techniques and experiential interventions. I also have over 8 years of experience working with adults and children with disabilities. I rely on several different theories and interventions to provide treatment. Systems theory, strengths-based theory, cognitive-behavioral theory, and experiential therapies are the approaches and interventions that I am most experienced in.
You know yourself best and I am here to learn more about you, support you, and guide you toward solutions to the issues you are facing. I want you to know that our sessions will be a safe and judgment free space for you to explore and process. Your emotions and experiences are an important aspect of your life and the work we will do together. I will work with you to better understand the moments and elements that have shaped you into the person that you are, and I will always aim to empower you and respect your autonomy!
Education:
I have three degrees from Indiana University: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2017); Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (2017); Master of Social Work (2022). I am a licensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio, a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, and a trained member of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) and I am a trained provider for military-focused care through Star Behavioral Health Providers.
About Allison
Personal Information
I am a mother to a little boy that was born with a disability, and I have both a personal and professional understanding of the emotions, challenges, and rewards that come along with having a child with unique needs. Along with my toddler and husband, I have two dogs and a cat that basically rule my life! We love to go on walks, hikes, and visit different parks. I have an enormous love for all animals, but I am especially connected to horses and riding is one of my favorite hobbies. Although I live in Ohio, I am originally from Indiana (Go Hoosiers!) and I have spent a lot of my summers in Northern Michigan. I love to travel and I have a lifetime goal of visiting every National Park in the United States.
