Brandy Allen

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Masters of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. I transitioned to private practice after working in the community at other group and private practices for 10 years. Prior private practice, I provided community based mental health for three years providing in-home therapy, family therapy, and school-linked mental health in the Rochester Public Schools. I am nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Masters level trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and a Minnesota board approved clinical supervisor. I find it especially important to contribute both bottom up and top down approaches when healing from life’s stressors for the extended duration of time. Areas of specialty include: individual and family therapy, anger management, trauma and stress related concerns, depression and anxiety, self esteem/body image, reactive-attachment disorder and attachment concerns, parenting issues, and life adjustments. I am trained in diversity, including work with the LGBTQ community, trauma-focused CBT, mindfulness and motivational interviewing; however utilize an eclectic approach utilizing empirically supported methods such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Person-Centered approaches, Play Therapy techniques, solution focused approaches, motivational interviewing, strengths based strategies, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approaches. I pride myself on continuing to educate myself to best meet the needs for the person who walks through my door, remaining flexible and open minded in practice, as well as integrating the various supports into the therapeutic process. As a counselor, my hope is to connect with clients where they are at in life, while navigating life's stressors and adjustments. I am known for her ability to connect with the person who walks through her door, as well as my ability to express unconditional positive regard and support. I have a friendly, canine “coworker,” commonly known as a therapy dog named- Pierce, who I incorporate into session for those that feel comfortable. Finally, I enjoy building play, creative techniques, activity, and fun into sessions as a further tool to meet individuals where they are. Ultimately, I am passionate about active listening, sitting with others emotionally, and building optimism, insight, belief in self, and hope.