Chris Allison

About Chris

My approach

I take a warm, Person-Centered approach, offering a safe, trauma-informed space for anxiety and stress. Working together collaboratively, I draw on CBT to help you shift unhelpful thoughts and DBT to build practical emotional regulation skills. My goal is to combine supportive guidance with proven tools to help you find lasting relief.

About me

Reading a psychology book initially sparked my interest and experiencing personal and family therapy myself solidified my decision to pursue this career. Having sat in the client's seat, I know how valuable good support is. I offer a warm, down-to-earth space to help you and your family navigate challenges and move forward.

More background

My Path to Becoming a Therapist My interest in therapy began with a deep curiosity about human behavior, psychology, and relationships. However, it was my own experience as a client in individual and family counseling that truly solidified my calling. Experiencing the therapeutic process firsthand showed me how transformative good support can be.

To test my passion, I initially completed training in pastoral care while living in Cambodia. That experience confirmed my desire to dedicate my professional life to mental health, leading me to pursue a master’s degree in clinical counseling and full licensure. Today, I find immense purpose in coming alongside clients as they navigate life’s challenges, set meaningful goals, and experience personal growth.

What to Expect in Our Work Together Having grown up as a missionary kid and later living and serving abroad as an adult, I carry a broad, culturally attentive worldview. I deeply respect how race, culture, religion, and unique life experiences shape each individual. I believe that while our backgrounds may differ, human beings share fundamental needs for connection, understanding, and hope.

My personal faith is a central part of my life and shapes my values, empathy, and respect for every person I counsel. However, therapy is always driven by your goals. I meet you where you are without pushing any agenda or forcing beliefs. Whether you want to integrate spirituality into your sessions or keep our focus strictly on clinical interventions, you will find a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space.

Clinical Experience & Background My clinical background spans a diverse range of therapeutic settings, giving me a strong, versatile foundation for handling both acute crises and day-to-day challenges: - Community & Pastoral Care: Provided early counseling support in Cambodia, developing deep empathy and cross-cultural adaptability. - Inpatient Adolescent Treatment: Served as a behavioral specialist and primary therapist at a residential facility for teenagers, directing treatment planning to address complex behavioral, environmental, and emotional dynamics. - Telephonic Crisis Triage & Mobile Support: fielded high-acuity crisis and distress calls (including 988 lines), providing immediate de-escalation, safety planning, and rapid intervention during critical moments. - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counseling: Delivered short-term, solution-focused support for working adults navigating workplace stress, burnout, life transitions, and acute personal stressors. - Outpatient Clinical Practice: Work extensively with a diverse caseload of adults, couples, and families.

In my current practice, I regularly help clients navigate persistent anxiety, depression, loss, major life transitions, and relationship conflict. My goal is always to balance practical, evidence-based tools with compassionate, steady support to help you achieve lasting change.

Specialties

Types of therapy

Who Chris works with

Ages

Preteens (11-13), Teens (14-19), Adults, Elders (65+)

Languages

English

Education and training

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Capella University, 2021

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Leadership, Harding University, 2005

Certifications

IFS-Informed

DBT-Informed

Trauma-Informed

Pastoral Counseling Certification (Waverley Abbey)