With empathy and genuine compassion, I will listen to your story and work with you to determine the best plan to help you realize your goals and experience God’s transformative power in your life. In my practice, I offer professional faith-based therapy for children, teens, adult individuals, couples and families. Whether you’re dealing with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns with your children, or other struggles and challenges, Christian counseling provides the support you need to find healing and hope.
My Goal as a Christian Counselor
My hope is that through our time together, you will be able to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, feel visible and affirmed, and find the healing, well-being, and inner strength to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, with God’s help. I am dedicated to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness, ensuring that those experiencing symptoms, including those related to depression and thoughts of suicide, would not feel isolated but instead would receive the help and understanding they deserve.
What I Offer in Christian Counseling
During our sessions you will find a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can feel free and encouraged to explore your challenges, gain insights, and work towards achieving your goals. With a compassionate, client-centered approach, my aim is to focus on facilitating your personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. In our time together, your unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings will be valued and respected. I am committed to supporting you throughout your therapeutic journey and empowering you to create positive change in your life.
My Approach to Christian Counseling
I believe Christian counseling will lead people to a healthier relationship with God and help them become more like Christ. My aim is to emulate Jesus' approach to counseling, which was marked by compassion, acceptance, and emphasis on action and responsibility. I rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, seeking divine wisdom and guidance. In my practice, my desire is to be a channel through which God's healing and grace flow into the lives of my clients.
Beyond merely alleviating psychological symptoms or modifying behaviors, my hope is that my clients will experience deeper spiritual growth and transformation. As a counselor, my faith informs my practice because both my clients and I can place our trust in God’s sovereignty and place our hope in God, believing that He will guide us. My aim is to glorify God in my work, offering compassionate and effective counseling that honors His teachings.
Qualifications & Experience
I hold a B.A. in Political Science and East Asian Languages and Culture, a Master of Arts in Education and Master’s in Social Work, all from the University of Michigan.
My Call to Christian Counseling
I received my Master's degree in Education in 2008 and taught in private schools, charter schools, and public schools. I worked with K-12 students across various subjects including Social Studies, Math, Psychology, and Visual Arts. As an educator, I became acutely aware of the complex challenges many students faced, often manifesting as social, emotional, or behavioral issues that hindered their ability to learn effectively.
I began to explore the intricate connections between a student's home environment, lived-in experience, and mental health. I also witnessed firsthand how secure connections are inextricably linked to effective parenting and the healthy development of children. Additionally, I observed that strong marriages significantly contribute to overall family wellness, providing a stable environment that fosters emotional security, personal growth, and a sense of belonging.
This realization inspired me to pursue a degree in social work, where I could address these issues more comprehensively and support children and families in building healthier, more resilient relationships.
More About Me/On a Personal Note
I have a deep love for languages and cultures, which greatly influences my therapeutic approach. I am fluent in Korean and can provide therapy to clients in Korean. I grew up learning piano, and now in my adulthood, I've come to appreciate how much music brings me joy and solace. I also enjoy painting and drawing and am especially inspired by children artists. Although I have fallen hopelessly behind in making photobooks, I love documenting travels and memories with my family.
Areas of Expertise/Specialties
- Abandonment and Neglect
- ADHD
- Aging and Geriatric Issues
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Bipolar Disorder
- Chemical Dependency
- Coaching
- Counseling for Children
- Counseling for Teens
- Couples Counseling
- Codependency
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Family Counseling
- Grief and Loss
- Individual Counseling
- Infidelity and Affairs
- Lifespan Integration
- Marriage Counseling
- Men’s Issues
- OCD
- Online Counseling
- Personal Development
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Premarital Counseling
- Professional Development
- Psychiatric Care Services
- Relationship Issues
- Sex and Porn Addiction
- Sexual Abuse
- Spiritual Development
- Trauma
- Weight Loss
- Women’s Issues
Couples and Marriage Counseling
No marriage is without conflict. Expecting two distinctly different individuals to come together and maintain the same level of love that brought them together for a lifetime is unrealistic. Over time, many couples feel like victims in the relationship and the hurt they received from the other party becomes so painful that they are unable to consider that they may have also hurt their spouses knowingly or unknowingly. Or, they may admit to hurting the other person, but feel justified.
Investing time and effort into nurturing your relationship not only strengthens your bond but also creates a ripple effect, positively impacting all areas of your life, including physical health, social interactions, and family environment. It can also alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. I will use research-based strategies and interventions to help individuals and couples build healthier, more resilient relationships, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life.
Counseling for Children and Teens
All children are created to be in relationships with their caregivers. They are dependent upon these relationships for their very survival. Oftentimes, children use behavior to ensure that they have meaning, purpose, and belonging and that they are recognized by their caregivers. Children quickly learn they cannot be ignored when they have problems. Their behavior is a very creative way for them to get their needs met. My studies in child development, coupled with my extensive experience as an educator and parent, have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by children and teens. We will work together to bring laughter, stability, and trust into your family. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in parenting and family sessions.
Anxiety
The goal of treating anxiety is not to eliminate it entirely but to help individuals function better despite its presence. Anxiety is a normal response to perceived threats or physical stress, serving an essential survival function. However, when anxiety becomes excessive and persistent, it can interfere with daily functioning and overall well-being. Effective treatment can reduce the intensity of anxiety symptoms and enhance coping mechanisms, allowing individuals to manage their anxiety and lead more fulfilling lives.
Depression
Treating depression when the first symptoms of depression appear dramatically increase the chances for recovery. If it becomes chronic over time, it can have an impact on not only your mental health but also physical health. You are precious and deserve better. You can tell your story. You can find various ways to cherish and care for yourself. You can start to live the life you want.
Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.
Availability (by office location):
- Bellevue - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Online (WA Only) - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals and couples looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.
Insurance: As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate (LICSWA), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals and couples.
Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.
Focus Areas
Testimonials
Allison is thoughtful, compassionate and professional.
