About

Allison Novak, MS, LPC
Therapist & Counselor

Allison is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She obtained a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Clinical Counseling from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois.

As a therapist, Allison’s goal is to consistently hold a safe space for her clients to explore their inner selves. She is there to guide, observe, suggest, and provide education so that each client can find their individual path to success and balance. She believes that true healing can only come through an individual’s personal commitment to their own happiness, so the core tenet of her work is to assist clients in re-connecting with their own inner wisdom. No matter our age, we all contain the essential capacity to heal ourselves and build the lives we want to lead. Seeking guidance is often the hardest but most crucial step in our journey. The very act of reaching out for help reveals that our inner wisdom is already in the driver’s seat ready to take the lead if we choose to allow it!

Allison’s approach is client-centered and focuses on strengthening our essential mind-body connection. Her work is influenced by Mindfulness-Based Techniques (MBT), yoga psychology, cognitive behavioral approaches (CBT), attachment theory, conflict resolution, dialectical behavior therapy approaches (DBT), non-verbal expressive exercises (art therapy), internal family systems approaches (IFS), and generational trauma principles. She has experience working with those struggling to adjust to life changes, individuals experiencing life crises or career dissatisfaction, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management and aggression, conflictual family relationships, school-related struggles, struggles relating to adoption and foster care, and those struggling with a history of suicidal ideation or attempts.

Allison is skilled in working with a wide variety of clients, but has unique experience working extensively with adolescents and young adults from a wide variety of backgrounds. She has helped youth and families struggling with problematic behavioral patterns, conflictual relationships, trauma and abuse, long-term emotional difficulties, or major life transitions. She specializes in a systemic approach to identifying and interrupting chronic cycles of conflict to repair relationships and develop new ways to be successful at home, work, and school. Her work with adolescents combines self-exploration and talk therapy with structured exercises to develop positive life planning skills. With compassion, a healthy dose of patience, and neutral adult guidance, Allison is honored to assist teens and their families with developing realistic life goals and developing the skills to achieve emotional stability and independence.