LCSW, 13 years of experience
New to Grow
Hello, my name is Allie Gubin, I'm a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience in supporting people navigating unforeseen and unwelcome change. Some of the common emotional experiences of the people whom I serve include coping with feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, fear, sadness, grief, and loss. My background is with people impacted by cancer. I have worked on the east and west coasts in hospitals and outpatient clinical settings. A life-threatening illness can impact overall quality of life including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. My area of interest is to support people who are facing various life transitions and stressors – whether it be a conflict in a relationship, a concern at work, or worries about the future. It is completely “normal” not to know exactly what it is that brings you to therapy, to know what it is that you are feeling, or what, if anything, you would like to be different in your life. With an open mind and some patience, together, we can explore what matters most to you, and what might promote a sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in your life.
Our first session will be centered around gathering some basic information about you and beginning to understand what you are hoping to gain from therapy. This will include a standard assessment of questions geared towards understanding who you are, what brings you meaning, and what are some current stressors. Also, I will invite you to ask questions regarding my role and the potential expectations of our work together. Most importantly, this first meeting is an opportunity for you to feel out whether you are comfortable opening up about yourself with me.
In my attempt to fostering a supportive environment for you, and in the spirit of building a therapeutic rapport between us, I bring warmth, kindness and a sense of humor.
My ideal clients are adults of all ages. I also have experience working in women's health.
My social work experience has been primarily with people navigating physical health issues, cancer specifically. My work involves supporting clients through grief, loss and changes in identity that can stem from a cancer diagnosis. Ultimately, the goal of my work is to help people come to terms with some of the unwanted life changes that result from a life threatening illness, to aid in their adaptation to illness, and to engage in a life of meaning and purpose.
It is human to experience feelings of criticism, shame and self-doubt. Being hard one on oneself can feel familiar and comfortable. In my practice, I attempt to create opportunities for people to cultivate a sense of kindness and warmth towards themselves.
I incorporate components of CBT into my practice to support one’s ability to expand their way of thinking that is also in alignment with their personal values and life goals.
I have supported couples and families as they navigate the demands of a chronic illness and related life stressors.