Kelly Allen, LSW

Experience

Prior to counseling, I worked in various settings with adolescents and adults. I served as a high school youth leader for two years in the local church. In this role, I guided youth through small group discussions and individually mentored these high school students by helping them navigate and process through stress related to school and relationships.

Additionally, I worked as a social worker in various settings: mental health center, group homes, skilled nursing facilities, and memory/behavioral health care. In the mental health setting, I was a residential counselor in a group home and helped adults with serious mental illnesses find autonomy, practice coping skills, and navigate everyday life with purpose.

I’ve worked with adults and the elderly with complex mental and physical health needs to identify the best plan of care and work as an advocate to meet those needs. I have experience with adults with both dementia and serious mental illnesses to promote quality of life, assist in crisis management and de-escalation, and create daily living activities. I most recently have helped elderly seniors and their families navigate finding safe and affordable housing options.

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Specialties

My clinical specialties include working with adults and seniors through anxiety, depression, mood disorders, complex medical concerns, housing transitions, grief, loss, life-skills development, and psychoeducation. I offer Christian and faith-based counseling upon request to instill hope and a sense that clients are not alone in their painful circumstances. You can expect our sessions to incorporate the following modalities: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I will customize therapy techniques and plan of care to the client's unique needs.I am receiving training in couples and marital therapy from Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman therapeutic perspective. Relationships can be very painful and this pain can often block connection and a sense of unity. I can help by providing unbiased empathic support, with insights to lead couples to a road of healing. There's hope.

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How I Help

I offer compassionate care and attentiveness and recognize that each person has a unique story to tell. I am highly aware and sensitive to the fact that the topics we talk about are complex and recognize the importance of taking time to breath and express emotion without hindrance. I am empathetic and have a warm and calming demeanor that creates a space for others to rest and express their needs without reservation and without judgment. Some of the things you could expect in counseling sessions include a warm welcome and peaceful enviroment , a trusting helping relationship where you can feel comfortable being transparent, seen, understood without judgment, valued and honored for your unique story. We work together to move you from hopelessness to a new, empowered place.

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More About Me

I was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs but most recently spent time living in the Pacific Northwest with my husband of 8 years. I’m very close with my family and grateful to have moved back to be with them. I am a social butterfly and love adventures. I am an avid hiker and lover of flowers. I like to take pictures of nature and play volleyball with my husband and friends. I have a sweet tooth and love cheesy romantic comedies. I’m so happy you’re here and look forward to meeting you!