Emily Allcroft
I provide counseling for individuals navigating anxiety, panic disorders, depression, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, child behavioral concerns, life transitions, grief and loss, and personal growth. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Strengths- Based, and Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, I help clients develop practical coping skills, build resilience and confidence, and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and self-awareness. My goal is to create a supportive, collaborative space where clients feel heard, empowered, and equipped to make meaningful and lasting changes.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin creating a comfortable, supportive space for therapy. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping to work on, and what feels most important to you right now. Together, we can begin identifying goals for therapy and discussing what you would like to get out of our work together. Just as importantly, the first session is a chance for you to decide whether I feel like the right fit for you. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is an important part of the process, and I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing what you need, and letting me know what would help you feel supported. You don’t need to have everything figured out when you walk in, I’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll take it from there.
Strengths
I have extensive experience providing crisis support in healthcare settings, beginning my career in a supportive role as a Certified Child Life Specialist at major children’s hospitals, including Boston Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children Boston, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. With a desire to provide personalized, one-on-one support in an outpatient setting, I obtained my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of New England. Since then, I have provided individual therapy in clinical outpatient settings, supporting clients through a range of mental health and life challenges.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is looking for a supportive, collaborative space to process and navigate challenges in their life. I enjoy working with individuals who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, illness, first responders or health care workers, caregivers, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, or feelings of being overwhelmed or stuck. I value meeting clients where they are and working together to identify their goals, recognize their strengths, and create meaningful, sustainable change.
Treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides practical skills for managing emotions, navigating relationships, tolerating distress, and staying present during difficult moments. I incorporate DBT skills based on each client’s individual needs and goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. In therapy, we may practice mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can help clients better understand their emotional experiences, respond rather than react, communicate more effectively, and cope with challenging situations in healthier ways. My goal is to help clients build confidence in their ability to manage difficult emotions and navigate life’s challenges.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping clients develop psychological flexibility—the ability to make meaningful choices even when difficult thoughts, emotions, or circumstances arise. In therapy, I use ACT to help clients identify their core values, understand patterns that may be keeping them stuck, and practice accepting difficult emotions rather than avoiding them. Together, we explore what matters most to you and identify small, realistic steps that move you toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life. ACT can be especially helpful when clients feel overwhelmed by their thoughts, caught in cycles of avoidance, or disconnected from what is important to them.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the understanding that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are closely connected. I use CBT to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and explore how these patterns may influence emotions and behaviors. Together, we work toward developing more balanced perspectives and practical coping strategies. Depending on your goals, this may include learning to challenge negative self-talk, manage anxiety, approach situations that feel overwhelming, or make intentional behavioral changes. CBT is a collaborative and practical approach that can help clients develop skills they can use both inside and outside of therapy.
Faith based therapy
As a Christian, I am able to integrate Christian faith-based principles into therapy for clients who specifically desire this perspective as part of our work together. Faith-based work is always client-directed and is incorporated only when requested. This may include exploring faith, prayer, Scripture, past or current beliefs. I respect that each client’s relationship with faith is unique, and I allow you to determine how, or if, your faith fits into our therapeutic work.
Strength-Based
A strengths-based approach focuses on recognizing the abilities, resources, relationships, experiences, and personal qualities that clients already have, rather than focusing solely on problems or areas of difficulty. I use this approach to help clients identify strengths they may overlook and understand how they have successfully navigated challenges in the past. Together, we build on those existing strengths while developing new skills and strategies to support their goals. Therapy becomes an opportunity to recognize your resilience, build confidence, and develop a stronger sense of what you are capable of.
Location
Virtual sessions
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- ConnecticutLicense 58.016833