Hi there! I am a LPC licensed in Pennsylvania with 12 years of experience in the field of mental health. I have an undergraduate degree in clinical mental health psychology from Kutztown University and a graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling from Holy Family University. It’s tough to ask for help, but you’re here so congrats! I like to make this process as smooth and painless as possible for my clients because we all know that therapy is not easy. We will work through your current life stressors and/or past traumas together in a collaborative approach while building rapport, teaching skills, and offering validation along the way. I have worked in various settings with adults in a partial hospital setting (PHP), intensive outpatient setting (IOP-TOP), as well as an individual outpatient setting. I have extensive training in treating Borderline Personality Disorder with the evidenced based approach of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I am also trained in EMDR therapy as well as Prolonged Exposure (PE) in treating PTSD. As a mom of two littles myself, I thrive working with fellow moms, those trying to conceive, who are actively pregnant or struggling with pregnancy, and/or in the postpartum period. I have extensive training with PSI or Postpartum Support International in perinatal mental health. I am a strengths and skills based therapist looking to help you decrease stressors and increase skillful behaviors.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During the first session, it is typical that we will go over some housekeeping items such as informed consent, intake documents, and address any initial questions or concerns you may have in the process. We will begin to establish rapport by getting to know each other during the first few sessions. I understand that reaching out for help is hard but we will do this together.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe that I am able to build rapport quickly in order to begin establishing a therapeutic relationship. I provide a safe and calm space for trust and growth in the therapeutic process and I hope you feel the same while meeting with me.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I would consider myself to be an interactive therapist wherein I promote active listening skills as well as providing feedback. I prefer to work together as a team with my clients where you are in the driver seat and I am the passenger in that car with you. If you are wanting to work to change your life in an active way, I may be the right therapist for you! My goal is to remain passionate, personable, straight-forward, caring and empathetic.
About Allison Jenkins
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VirtualMy treatment methods
EMDR
Do you, like many others, experience trauma symptoms and try to push them away or ignore them or as I might say "push it all the way down deep to your toes?" It may feel better to avoid trauma symptoms in the moment but in reality the best way to work through trauma, is to 1. acknowledge or be aware that it is there and 2. work through it with an evidenced based practice and trusting professional. EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy can assist with those struggling with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. We can work together to see if this is a diagnosis and treatment modality that would best fit your needs depending on your current symptoms. In my daily practice, I have witnessed EMDR to be life changing for those suffering with nightmares, flashbacks and other symptoms of PTSD. It is intimidating work, as I can empathize with that, AND we will work together to get you there.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy is my jam. This type of treatment is typically geared towards those who struggle with borderline personality disorder; however, I believe that everyone (including myself) can use DBT skills in daily life. DBT incorporates skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills will help you live a healthier life and cope better in stressful situations. They will also help you increase positive relationships and positive communication, as well as to end destructive relationships and to be more present and effective in your daily life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
While using CBT, I can help you to identify negative thought patterns that may be consuming your every day thoughts and challenge that negative thinking with more realistic and constructive thoughts. This can help lead to healthier behaviors and better emotion regulation.