Allison Hanley, LCPC, CADC
What therapy will look like with me
There’s no easy answer to this because my approach in every session looks different since every individual/family is unique and constantly changing. I make use of intentional activities (play, art, games, stories, talk therapy, etc.) to engage my clients and meet them on their level so they feel fully involved in their care and get the most out of our work together.
My goal is to provide your child with the self-awareness, understanding, and tools necessary to learn how to better express feelings and learn more helpful ways of coping. I understand the importance of good therapeutic fitness, so we will spend time in every session building our relationship to make sure each child/teen feels comfortable and safe. We will all work together to establish goals building upon the strengths they already possess, and determining the steps that will inch us forward towards sustainable change.
I absolutely encourage parental involvement while still respecting the autonomy and confidentiality of my clients. As a mother of multiples, I know first hand that parenting is HARD. I understand the daily struggles and pressures of parenthood and the pressure and difficulty that goes along with raising healthy, adjusted, resilient kids. I know the best way to support your child is to also support you, so you can feel confident and successful supporting your child at home. My role is never to critique or judge your parenting style, but rather offer you assistance by providing you with effective, evidence-based parenting strategies to help you gain a bit of relief at home. I spend time with parents educating, offering guidance, and providing tools so you can confidently promote the well-being of your child. You can expect regular check-ins and follow ups to discuss your child’s progress as well as parent strategy sessions as needed. Together we will work collaboratively and develop a plan to address your family’s unique needs!
Why I chose to be a therapist
I know growing up isn’t easy! All the stress, pressure, expectations, and obstacles can be overwhelming and often lead to anxiety, depression, unhealthy or destructive habits. Sometimes we need a little help to get back on track, to feel unstuck. I’ve been there and fought my own battles. And I know no one should have to navigate this alone and how powerful it can be to have someone there supporting and encouraging you along the way. Someone who cares and shows up for you can help you or your child navigate whatever life is throwing your way. I want to be that help for others – someone to guide you through life’s challenges (no matter how difficult), so you can learn, grow, and come out stronger.
A little bit about me...
- I was born an army brat in Kansas and have flown in a military helicopter
- I have an older brother (used to be my college roommate) and a younger sister (still in college)
- I have a German Shepard named Artie! I planned to train him to be a therapy dog, but unfortunately he has too much anxiety. I still taught him to give people hugs when they’re upset!
- And if you are a cat person.. My family collectively has 6 BENGALS!
- I’ve danced ballet my entire life. Best memory, dancing in Disney!
- I didn’t try sushi until after college, but now it’s my absolute favorite food. I eat it at least once (sometimes more) a week.
- My guilty pleasure is binge watching teen drama series & am always down to rehash the latest episodes together
- I met my teenage idol, Taylor Swift, once through a mutual friend, and now my life goal is to meet Harry Styles
- I met my husband in high school, but no, we were not high school sweethearts!
Many clients and their families enter therapy in a state of distress desperate to “feel better” and gain some immediate relief, but alleviation of symptoms is only the beginning. Together we will work hard to facilitate personal development and growth. Your child will gain self-awareness and insight to better identify the obstacles preventing them from living the life they want. They will learn skills and strategies to effectively solve problems, overcome challenges, develop healthier life habits, and choose better ways to cope with difficult feelings. I will help them build upon their existing strengths, gain greater self-esteem and the confidence needed to attain personal growth and find ways to make meaningful changes. Your child will gain resiliency needed to handle life’s inevitable future challenges, bounce back from these challenges quicker, and come out stronger.
What is my experience
I hold a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from The Adler School of Professional Psychology and a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Minors in Dance and Women and Gender Studies from Loyola University of Chicago.
Throughout my career I have worked with children (as young as 5), teens, families, and adults in a variety of settings such as: residential facilities, inpatient, outpatient, hospital settings, hospice, and non-for-profits community based agencies.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults on a variety of issues including: anxiety, depression, self-injury, suicidal thoughts, life transitions, sleep difficulties, school and social difficulties, grief and loss, oncology counseling, end of life counseling, fertility counseling and women’s issues.
- I have worked with adolescents with substance abuse disorders at Northwest Community Hospital and developed substance abuse programming for a start-up children and adolescent hospital, Chicago Behavioral Hospital
- I supported patients and their families through chemotherapy and radiation treatment during my graduate level internship in the cancer services department at Northwest Community Hospital
- I worked as a therapist in the self-injury outpatient program for adolescents at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital
- I have experience providing grief counseling (to children and adults) in the dual role of bereavement counselor and director of children’s bereavement services at JourneyCare Hospice
- I was a psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor at Barrington Youth and Family Services conducting and overseeing individual counseling and community programming to children, teens, families, and adults
- And, currently, I am practicing at Evergreen Therapy!
I am also a Certified Alcohol and other Drug Counselor (CADC) and have obtained additional training in Fertility Counseling, as well as on evidence-based therapy modalities, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT.
