My name is Sarah Allen. I am a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (IMH19431) in Florida and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2017. I passed the examination to become a Nationally Certified Counselor in 2018. In the State of Florida to apply for independent state licensure, a counselor must obtain an additional 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience post-graduation to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I am presently working diligently to complete my clinical hours. I offer individual, family, and marital counseling. I also facilitate the anger management, parenting education, and life transitions group, as well as co-facilitating the Coparent Education Program.
When working with clients, I hope that through the therapeutic process, you will build resilience, develop positive coping skills, identify and change maladaptive thought patterns, and gain insight into yourself. I strive to provide a nonjudgmental, supportive, and calm environment for you to express and analyze your feelings safely. My approach to counseling is collaborative and eclectic, as I tailor sessions to each client. Our work may include lifestyle changes and therapeutic exercises for you to do between sessions to facilitate self-growth.
Life can present us with genuinely challenging seasons. My goal is to help clients to recognize, capitalize on their supports and resources, all while building on their strengths and managing their level of stress. In sessions, we will discuss the steps that you would like to take by developing an individualized treatment plan. I aim to help you recognize and take steps towards achieving your goals. In your counseling, I may utilize solution-focused therapy, expressive therapy, as well as evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness during your sessions. By identifying the challenges you are experiencing in life, you will learn how to deal with these identified challenges in healthier ways, and proceed forward on the path you desire.
Previously, I have worked in community-based mental health, providing services to individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises in central Virginia. My clinical experience includes: providing counseling to clients experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, conduct disorders, terminal illness, marital and relationship, family therapy, substance use and abuse, and trauma and stressor-related behaviors. I also have experience working with clients that are struggling with chronic health issues, during these sessions, support is provided to the clients and their caregivers.
In addition, I am a Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator for marital and premarital counseling and conflict de-escalation. Prepare/Enrich is an evidence-based assessment that measures relationship satisfaction. It can be used for premarital counseling, as a check-in for married couples, to assess parenting styles, and to assess a couples fit for adoption, or pre-foster care. Prepare/Enrich is an effective tool to utilize to improve the overall satisfaction of a couples relationship. In the Prepare/Enrich process, couples take an assessment and then work with a Facilitator in a semi-structured feedback process. During this process, the facilitator will work with the couple to build relationship, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Counseling sessions may be held in person at our office in Ormond Beach or through telehealth counseling. I offer daytime and evening appointments to support your busy schedule. I do offer a reduced rate /sliding scale fee for counseling sessions if you are interested in scheduling. Please contact our office at 386-449-8600, ask to be scheduled with Sarah Allen, or you can complete the Appointment Request Form online. Please feel free to email our office directly if you have any questions: Info@OceanVistaCounsel.com.
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