My Mission
At Life's Phases, I believe that we are always changing, shifting, and growing as human beings - especially in childhood and young adulthood. Just like the moon stays the same no matter its phase, through the therapeutic environment we can identify who YOU are so that no matter what changes or situations that come your way you feel confident in yourself and your abilities.
Hi, I'm Allison (she/her)! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and work with children and adolescents age 5+ and clients who are in young adulthood. I use a client-centered and strength-based approach to meet client where they are at and help them reach their goals. I specialize in depression, mood disorders, anxiety, adjustment to life changes, parenting, peer/relationship struggles, and family conflict. I am comfortable working with clients who are LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and/or disabled. I have been trained in Motivational Interviewing and Play Therapy.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/allison-dennis-okemos-mi/816395
Clients Ages 5 - 9
When working with younger children therapy looks a lot like playing, so don't be surprised if there isn't a lot of talk therapy happening in session with your child. My office includes a lot of toys, games, art supplies, and sensory materials to help facilitate the therapeutic experience. Sometimes guardians like to stay in session with their child, other times guardians give their child space to explore therapy on their own. It is up to the families to decide what is helpful to them.
Clients Ages 10 -14
Some kids in this age group start to engage more in talk therapy, however some are still interested in play as a form of expression of communication. Kids are still welcome to engage with any of the toys, games, art supplies, and sensory materials they see in my office to help them engage in session with me. Again, it is up to the family to determine whether the guardians stay in session with the child.
Clients Ages 15 -17
At this age teenagers are looking for more independence in their therapeutic experience. Often they will engage in more talk therapy than the younger kids. Many still enjoy engaging with sensory materials while talking. While confidentiality applies in the therapeutic relationship, I consistently speak with guardians about general themes of session and make sure to keep in close contact with guardians when necessary.
Clients Ages 18 - 25
I may have a lot of toys and kid-related things in my office, but when you come in, you will be treated as an adult (though it's not uncommon for some of my young adults to use some of the things I have in there). I will follow your lead to determine what is going to be helpful to you each session. I am open to clients bringing in real experiences they have in everyday life and am open to talk therapy bringing in other ways of communication, e.g. song of the week, drawings, a favorite tiktok, or even something you journaled.
Telehealth
I offer telehealth services for ages 7+ who prefer or need to do therapy from the comfort of their own home*. I will send an email with a link from Psychology Today on the day of your appointment. The link will take you right to the waiting room where we will meet.
*Children ages 5 and 6 do better in person; however I may consider exceptions, for example when children are sick or if parents need one-on-one sessions.
Starting at Life's Phases
Sometimes getting connected to therapy can feel overwhelming! Here is what you can expect at each stage of the process.
Inquiring/Connecting:
- Browse my website and Psychology Today page.
- Email (allison.dennis@lifesphasestherapy.com) or call (616-541-4507). Feel free to share your name, age, general idea of what you want to work on in therapy, and your insurance provider.
- I provide a 15-30 minute consult (if you want) to see if I am a good fit for you or your child. This is a good time to ask me any questions.
Getting Set Up:
- Once we agree to work together I will send you a request from SimplePractice (Electronic Health Record system) to set up a profile.
- In the portal for SimplePractice you will find information about your billing and your appointment date/time/location that we agreed upon.
- I will send you intake documents through SimplePractice for you to complete before your first appointment with me. This will come to your email from SimplePractice.
First Appointment:
- Guardians of 5-17 year old clients: please plan on attending the first appointment with your child!
- Although I have reviewed your intake paperwork, I will cover similar topics so I can ask clarifying questions and give you the opportunity to share any additional information.
- It's okay to be nervous! I will be here to help orient you to the process.
