Allison’s Take on Treatment

“I firmly believe in the power of a genuine human connection in the therapeutic process. We’re all a work in progress, myself included. I aim to create a warm and inviting environment for my clients to feel understood and supported. If you approach therapy with openness and curiosity, you may find unexpected resilience within yourself.”

Approach to Therapy

Allison’s therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure-based techniques. She incorporates additional evidence-based treatments such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) when appropriate. Allison’s approach emphasizes the importance of treating clients within their broader context. Recognizing that mental health is influenced by various factors including family dynamics, social environments, and cultural backgrounds, Allison takes a comprehensive view of each client’s life circumstances. By considering the broader context, she ensures that therapy not only addresses symptoms, but also fosters resilience and adaptability in the face of life’s challenges.

Experience and Training

Allison is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Northern Illinois University. She graduated from Brown University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her research centers on the development of novel, brief interventions for social anxiety. She is also interested in identity development and sense of self, particularly the ways in which these processes unfold in the context of anxiety disorders.

Allison previously worked at the Psychological Services Center at Northern Illinois University, where she treated clients with a range of different backgrounds and presenting problems, including social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and bipolar II disorder. She also has experience assessing for ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders. She has completed extensive training in ERP for OCD and is comfortable working with kids, teens, and adults. She is a member of the International OCD Foundation.

More About Allison

Allison is a proud dog mom to a mischievous standard poodle. She enjoys cooking, crocheting oversized stuffed animals, and camping with her husband.