Katie Allen, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Katie Allen

Katie Allen

(she/her)

LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual

Hi, I'm Katie, a Licensed Clinical Social. Helping and supporting others has been a driving factor in my life; therefore, I began my career as a teacher. My education and experience in the classroom greatly influenced me; however, I saw how difficult it is to learn when one is struggling with many emotional and mental health needs. While in graduate school, I transitioned to working with families in more of a case management role. During that time, I started noticing how the adults I worked with were often struggling and had not received the help they needed. After completing graduate school, I began working in an inpatient hospital that treats mental health and chemical dependency. After several years working with patients individually and facilitating group therapy, I transitioned to managing an intensive outpatient mental health program for senior adults. In this role, I facilitated group therapy and met with patients individually at times. I greatly enjoyed getting to know my clients and cheering alongside them as they made progress. While I value group therapy, I recognize that it is not the right fit for everyone. Therefore, I have set up a private practice to meet the needs of individuals in ways I was unable to do in previous roles. I believe change is possible and that each person has strengths and life experiences that they can draw upon to help themselves move forward. My passion is helping clients utilize what they already have, learn additional tools for coping, and develop healthier ways of thinking.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is primarily an intake session. During this time, we will discuss both of our expectations for therapy sessions and our time working together. I will then ask you a variety of questions to get a better understanding of what you want to address, your relevant experience, and the outcomes you desire. If at any time you do not want to answer certain questions, then let me know, and we will move on to the next topic. Some nervousness when starting therapy is to be expected, but feeling unsafe or pressured to share is never okay.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

Clients describe me as empathetic, caring, genuine, and insightful. I believe every individual has worth and I am passionate about helping you recognize your value. One of the ways I do this is by helping you identify and practice using your strengths and applying the knowledge that you have already acquired as you navigate through your day to day. We then can reinforce this by taking time to recognize the ways you have already grown and made progress, thus building your confidence in your ability to navigate life’s complexities.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work with adults of all ages who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, and the pressures of significant life changes. Whether you are a young adult grappling with the uncertainties of the future, a professional managing demanding careers and personal lives, or someone navigating the complexities of later life, I offer a safe and supportive space to explore the roots of your distress and develop strategies that work. One thing I ask is that you are ready to make positive change or at least willing to consider doing so.

About Katie Allen

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

When using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, I'll help you pinpoint the powerful link between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. From there, we'll work together on practical strategies to transform unhelpful thinking patterns into more constructive and empowering ones.

Positive Psychology

Using Positive Psychology techniques, I will guide you in identifying your unique strengths. We will then dig deeper to identify how you have used your strengths in the past to help yourself and explore how you will be able to use them now and moving forward.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

When using ACT techniques, I'll help you learn how to work on identifying and accepting difficult thoughts and emotions that are negatively affecting your life, practice being present in the moment, and make positive changes that line up with your personal values and goals.

Integrative

I tend to use an integrative approach pulling from a variety of treatment methods in order to best meet the needs of my clients. In addition to specific methods, I value using psychoeducation, when appropriate, to help clients further develop their understanding and awareness of their symptoms. By doing so, they are able to strengthen their ability to help themselves.