Allison Lake

Hi there! My name is Allie and I am a counseling intern currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at James Madison University in 2021. Following difficulties with transitioning to college and later being diagnosed with several chronic illnesses, I found that my own counseling experience transformed my life. This inspired me to guide others in their healing journeys. I feel that it is my purpose to support my clients during hard chapters by creating a strong foundation to build on and take with them.

I approach therapy from a collaborative lens as my resounding belief is that people are the experts of their lives. I take a humanistic stance and focus on creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and inclusive climate for therapy where my clients feel secure and free to unapologetically be themselves, exactly as they are. The curation of and encouragement for authenticity is present here. This is a space that is entirely for my clients and I value continuous dialogue with them about any and all forms of feedback. Many of my clients describe me as a calming, friendly, and gentle presence who has the utmost highest admiration for the work I do.

I am particularly interested in working with people seeking relief from anxiety, depression, developmental transitions, grief, trauma, social and communication concerns, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, and ADHD. I have thorough experience with individuals with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses. I am very open to counseling other types of concerns as well and I am humbly confident in my ability to assist my clients.

I have a diverse approach to therapy where I mostly incorporate a combination of successful methods, each dependent on my clients’ unique and individual needs and preferences. Treatment is tailored to each client as no two people are the same. Many will go through a very similar experience but have distinct outcomes. Some of the therapies that I draw upon include Person- Centered Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and more! I will also reference attachment-based therapy in adults with trauma to address relational concerns. I work from a strengths-based frame as I believe that every individual has the capacity to succeed. We have to address obstacles that have blocked or hindered our ability to achieve. My practice focuses on initiating positive, meaningful change to help replace or lessen former feelings, thoughts, habits, and behavior patterns that have interfered with one’s ability to function in an adaptive way.

A few fun facts about me is that I played competitive volleyball for years and was a student athlete in college! I loved every part of the sport and have kept that same work ethic in other areas of my life. I enjoy meditation practices, yoga, and walking outside in nature. I prioritize and value the meaningful relationships in my life and have always been more extroverted. I am very close with my family and friends. With my experience as someone with a disability, I feel that I can resonate and relate to my clients this way. I strive to one day become involved in modifying how our healthcare system operates to best serve people.