Kari Allen, LMSW

kari-allen
Call 616-422-4790 or email karingconversations@gmail.com to book an appointment!
 
**Kari offers appointments in Holland or via telehealth**

About Kari Allen, LMSW

Hello! I am Kari Allen. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I feel that my calling is to provide support to those who may be struggling. I find something very rewarding in sitting with someone, listening to them, and helping them find a new path in life that is more enjoyable and less turbulent.
 
I work with children/adolescents, as well as the parents who care for them. I am a strong believer in behavior modification practices and natural therapeutic techniques prior to medication. I tend to gravitate toward Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Strengths-Based therapy; however, I am well versed in several other therapeutic techniques. I’m also a huge fan of play therapy as I have found this helps children to become more comfortable to talk when they are doing things that bring them joy.
 
Some areas of focus for me currently are stress reduction/coping, post-partum depression/anxiety, family counseling, and grief from loss of a child. With children, I treat trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, grief, and behavioral disorders such as ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I have also worked with PECS program with children who have autism and are nonverbal.
 
I look forward to working with clients in ways that will help them grow, change, and create a life of joy and happiness. I create a peaceful and calming environment to allow all to heal in their own ways. I make small, easily attainable goals to reduce the overwhelming feelings that a big change can cause. I look forward to working with you to help you attain you healing goals!

Kari's Experience:

Working with children has always been a passion of mine. I started my career path by seeking a Social Work degree at Grand Valley State University. During undergrad, my focus was on child welfare. I interned for Pathways in their foster care and adoption department. During graduate school, my focus was school therapy where I interned for Hudsonville public schools and worked at South Elementary. Now, I am one of the directors of Camp Courage, which is a children’s bereavement camp through Harbor Hospice. When in grad school, I helped to create a parent support group that would allow parents to deal with their own past traumas so they can then provide better parenting to their children. It would be an honor to start a group like this in the future. 
 
My career opportunities have allowed me to broaden my knowledge and abilities. I have always had a passion for learning and growth. I hope to continue to grow and learn new techniques to assist my clients in healing.
 
I live and work in West Michigan. I am married with four children and two dogs (for now). I am a huge animal lover and would take them all in if my husband would let me. I love to stay active and busy. I love to create and tend to be very crafty. I am always looking for new things to learn and ways to grow in both personal and professional life.
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Lexi Terpstra
16:16 16 May 25
My youngest son saw a therapist here and she was wonderful with him. My husband and I also have seen 2 therapist here and both helped us tremendously. We learned helpful tools to apply in real life situations in our marriage and individually. I would recommend this place to anyone 💚
Response from the owner 16:27 16 May 25
Thank you so much Lexi! So glad you had a good experience 🙂
Jeremy Hertz
00:00 07 Dec 24
I had been searching for a counselor when Hope & Wholeness had been mentioned as a possible fit. They were so right. Dr. Duckworth was amazing. He took the time to explore who i was, what was important to me, and what I needed. He helped me address many things from my past and take on things as they came. When our schedules conflicted I was able to meet with someone else and continue to get the help and support I needed. Cannot say enough good things about the staff.
Response from the owner 16:30 16 May 25
Thank you Jeremy!
Isaiah Grzybowski
21:08 02 Dec 24
I have worked with a couple different therapists at Hope and wholeness one for me personally and one for my wife and I. They have been so helpful and compassionate! Would highly recommend!
Response from the owner 16:30 16 May 25
Thank you Isaiah!
Lynne Ladner
21:37 27 Nov 24
Dr Duckworth is a compassionate and caring therapist. My work with him helped me through several major transitions in life, and I would recommend him and the Hope & Wholeness practice to anyone who asks, I have done so to many acquaintances.
Response from the owner 16:30 16 May 25
Thank you Lynne!
Nicholas Greenawalt
17:21 27 Nov 24
I did some work a while back here. The owner is super professional and very dedicated to his profession. He has great character. He has helped me out a lot!
Response from the owner 16:30 16 May 25
Thanks so much Nick!
Erin Ensing
15:08 27 Nov 24
I have had nothing but good experiences working with Hope & Wholeness! Easy on boarding and flexibility for in person or telehealth visits! Emily is phenomenal! And my kids see Kelley and Michelle and both love them! This facility has been influential in supporting our family's mental health.
Response from the owner 16:31 16 May 25
Thank you so much for the kind words Erin!