Stacey Allen
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in the social services and mental health fields in Northern New Jersey. As a proud Rutgers University alumna, I hold both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the institution and have dedicated my career to serving the local community. My background includes over a decade of experience at a community mental health counseling center, where I helped a diverse population manage challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and postpartum depression. Additionally, I have provided counseling sessions to students at local schools and co-facilitated mental health support groups for older adults. Currently, I work in private practice, helping adults navigate interpersonal relationships, life transitions, and mental health challenges, including anxiety, grief, and postpartum depression.
First session
Therapy is most effective when there is a strong therapeutic alliance between client and therapist so after reviewing basic practice policies and expectations we will spend some time getting to know each other to see if we are a good fit. I will ask some questions about your personal, medical and mental health background to have a better understanding of your needs and how therapy could help you accomplish your treatment goals. I will spend most of the time listening rather than speaking because I want to understand your concerns.
Strengths
I am genuinely interested in learning about my clients' journeys and have great respect for the different paths they have traveled. Because each client is unique, my work is completely individualized and tailored to their specific needs. Through my many years of experience providing psychotherapy to a diverse population, I have learned to be flexible, creative, and to think outside the box to best help my clients.
Ideal clients
I have enjoyed working with adults, especially older adults overcome life's obstacles and make positive changes in their lives by helping them to increase their self-awareness, reframe their thoughts, and implement new behaviors in their day-to-day routine. I support and encourage my clients to implement the new skills we discussed, but I also hold clients accountable for achieving their treatment goal(s).
Treatment methods
Psychodynamic
I look at how a client’s early life experiences and attachment to their caregivers impact their current functioning and relationships . I usually use this treatment method when working with individuals who are on a path of self discovery.
Location
Virtual sessions