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Meet the Therapists: Q&A with Allison Hamilton, MS, LPC-A

by | Jan 31, 2024 | Anxiety, Depression, Meet the Therapists, Reproductive Mental Health

Here at Houston Center for Valued Living we have a dedicated team of skilled therapists who want to see you through to your best life yet. We offer comprehensive counseling services for adults, teens, and children in the greater Houston area or via Telehealth. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, sleep problems, or depression, we have interventions that work. We are continuing our series of blog posts for you to get to know our therapists better. Today we have a Q&A with LPC-A Allison Hamilton!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I first turned to counseling in 2007 during my and my husband’s challenging journey to have a child. Infertility and multiple perinatal losses represented the first time in my life when no amount of hard work or trying made a difference and I could not outrun the pain and grief. Working with two incredibly compassionate reproductive mental health therapists, and being part of a pregnancy loss grief support group at Bo’s Place Bereavement Center, helped me heal, feel less alone, and find hope. Years later, following a family member’s unexpected, tragic death, I sought out counseling to process my emotions and regain a sense of peace. I continue to seek counseling when life feels overwhelming, knowing that talking with an unbiased, supportive therapist helps.

I am a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate supervised by Christen Sistrunk, LPC-S. I completed my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of St. Thomas in Houston and earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to choosing a career in mental health counseling I worked in public relations, elementary education, and the travel industry. Our daughter was born in 2011 and my family enjoys all that Houston has to offer. I am thrilled to be practicing with Houston Center for Valued Living!

How long have you been practicing as a therapist?

I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate since July 2023, having practiced as a graduate student practicum intern beginning in January 2022. My clinical experience includes counseling students and alums at the University of Houston-Downtown and working with children, parents, and young adults at The Conative Group. 

What types of clients and issues do you specialize in?

Based on my life experiences I am very passionate about supporting clients with reproductive mental health challenges and those grieving the loss of loved ones. Both can be incredibly lonely, isolating experiences to endure on your own, especially when it seems like everyone around you is living their best life. Having a therapist to talk with who gets it can help.

I am passionate as well about being a sounding board for parents navigating personal and their family’s challenges. Parents tend to give, give, give – we wear a lot of hats! Therapy is a powerful tool for slowing down and practicing self-care, with parents needing to “put on their own oxygen mask first” to be able to support others. 

Additionally, I work with clients experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, relationship difficulties, and those seeking to make a variety of meaningful changes in their lives. 

Do you have any particular therapeutic approaches or techniques that you prefer?

I offer therapy for adults (ages 18+) and utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IT), and Strengths-Based Therapy (SBT) with all clients. I feel that establishing a therapeutic relationship that allows the client to let their guard down, be vulnerable, pause, and reflect with the assurance they will consistently be met with empathy, encouragement, and compassion is the most important thing I do as a therapist. I lean into what is working well in my clients’ lives and help them identify and reframe or remove obstacles in their way of personal growth.

What can a client expect during a typical therapy session with you?

Clients can expect that I will approach our sessions with sincere curiosity to hear their stories without judgment, the recognition that their experiences are entirely unique and deserve unique therapeutic interventions, and a focus on what is happening during our sessions in addition to their reasons for seeking therapy. I am observant, pick up on nuanced details, and believe that shared observations and insights help us grow and better understand ourselves. That being said I will always default to clients as the experts on their own lives with me having the privilege to work alongside them. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time or as a form of self-care?

I enjoy spending time and traveling with my husband, daughter, and friends, and especially love cheering on my daughter at her softball games! Regular exercise including practicing yoga and reading for pleasure are essential forms of my self-care. Hiking, particularly in cooler destinations during the summer, is a favorite activity of mine. 

Where are you located, and what are your hours of operation?

I see clients in-person at our Post Oak Place Drive location and via Telehealth on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and by appointment.

How can potential clients get in touch with you to schedule an appointment?

Clients can reach me at allison@hcfvl.com, by calling 713-331-5538 (extension 702), and can schedule appointments online at https://www.houstoncenterforvaluedliving.com. 

What advice do you have for someone who is considering therapy for the first time?

My advice is to be as compassionate toward yourself as you likely are toward loved ones and friends. When someone we care about is struggling our wish for them is that they find support and relief. Prioritizing your mental health, and scheduling an appointment, is an important act of self-care.

At the Houston Center for Valued Living, we offer therapy in Houston for a variety of life’s challenges. Our team of compassionate therapists offer a variety of therapeutic specialties including: