Kari Allen, LMSW

Call 616-422-4790 or email karingconversations@gmail.com to book an appointment!
 
**Kari offers appointments in Holland or via telehealth**
 
For more information, go to: KaringConversations.com

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.