I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 10 years of experience in the Counseling field. I began graduate school in my mid-40s as a single Mom working full-time with two teenage daughters at home. I’m so grateful for my journey. I received my Licensed Professional Counselor Master of Arts degree in 2014 and haven’t looked back.
I love my profession. Those of us in the helping profession deem it a privilege to be allowed into the innermost parts of one’s emotions, offering insight, perspective, and encouragement in a compassionate, judgment-free environment. It is important as a professional to believe in our clients and their ability to heal themselves. Like most clients, I embarked on my own healing journey some 19 years ago. My heart is full of gratitude for those spiritual mentors, teachers, and counselors who have walked alongside me in search of peace, freedom, and wholeness.
Hello! My name is Allyson Shields
I joke with my clients that a good counselor is always working themselves out of a job; meaning, I want my clients to receive the guidance they need and move on to live exciting, emotionally well lives.
My approach to counseling is referred to as eclectic, meaning I draw from several different theoretical approaches, tailoring them to fit each of my clients individually. My expertise is in relationships. I believe that the most important relationship that one has is with oneself. I believe that this is where we all have to start, embracing our inner child who sometimes needs to be validated, encouraged, and above all loved. Loving oneself requires sensitivity, vulnerability, and enormous courage. Often we don’t learn this fundamental truth in childhood but it is never too late. I look forward to hearing your stories, and working towards healing and wholeness together.
