LPC, 1 years of experience
Hi there! My name is Allison Bates, M.Ed, NCC, LPC. I earned my bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Montevallo and have been working in the field of mental health since 2019. I consider myself a very honest and personable counselor and prefer a casual and collaborative approach to therapy. I use an eclectic therapeutic approach mostly pulling from cognitive behavioral therapy, person centered therapy, and solution focused brief therapy. I work together with my clients to identify therapeutic goals and pull from the different modalities to appropriately challenge my clients and address their specific and individual needs. I believe you are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges you will face throughout your life. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
During our first session I will introduce myself and explain the approach I typically take with clients. I pride myself in honesty and transparency and strive to empower clients to take control of their therapeutic journey. I put a significant focus on building a relationship with my clients and getting to know one another to ensure a comfortable and organic therapeutic process. After addressing any questions or concerns you may have I spend the rest of the session getting to know you, your therapeutic goals, and learning your therapeutic preferences. We will then decide on a treatment plan and the goals you would like to reach and work together to reach them.
My goal as a licensed professional counselor is to bring positive change to your life and help you reach your mental health goals. I believe a person has to be challenged in order to achieve their desired growth, but make sure to do so in a validating and healthy manner. I am very transparent in my methods and make sure to prioritize working collaboratively with my clients to foster a healthy therapeutic experience.
I am a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. I currently serve clients in the state of Alabama and do most of my work via Telehealth. I have experience working with individuals of all ages, but my focus clientele are young adults, adults, and elders. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief, coping with loss, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and more. The majority of my clients are individuals, but I also have experience working with families and couples.
I believe an individual's perspective and frame of thought has a significant impact on the state of their mental health. That is why I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when working with clients. This form of treatment is beneficial for helping clients learn how to take control on their journey to reaching their therapeutic goals.
Therapy is much more effective when the client takes an active role in their treatment. I firmly believe in the importance of building a positive relationship with my clients and working collaboratively with them when identifying therapeutic goals and treatment plans. When working with me, the client's best interest will always come first and I will follow your lead!
SFBT is another treatment method I often utilize with my clients. This method focuses more on problem solving current issues clients may be facing. We will create positive change through focusing on the present and future while building on each individual's strengths, skills, and resources.