CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING:

Allison Madden • LCSWA

Professional Ballantyne NC Therapist & Counselor

Works With

Youth/Teens (5+) | Adults (18+)

Areas of Focus

ADHD
Depression
DBT
Eating Disorders
Anxiety
Family
Art Therapy
Identity Crisis
OCD
Womens
Life Transitions
Relationship Issues (Individual)

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. Later, I completed my master’s degree at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. These experiences formed my approach to counseling and deepened my commitment to helping others.

Additionally, I am a proud member of the National Social Work Honors Society. This foundation has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to support clients effectively. I aim to create a collaborative space where growth and positive change feel possible.

My Personal Journey to Helping Others

I’ve always known I wanted a career that involved helping people. But if you had asked me ten years ago, I wouldn’t have pictured myself as a mental health counselor. Back then, I imagined becoming a doctor, teacher, or maybe a speech or occupational therapist. It wasn’t until I began my undergraduate studies that psychology truly caught my attention.

I became fascinated by understanding how people think and why, how childhood experiences shape us, and how life events impact the brain. This growing interest sparked something in me. I realized I had found the perfect way to combine my curiosity about human behavior with my desire to assist others.

I started graduate school to pursue mental health counseling and social work. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to working in this field, learning more every day about how to aid others in improving their lives.

My journey has molded who I am as a person and as a therapist. I’m passionate about making people feel safe, valued, and heard. Helping others navigate their struggles is not just my job—it’s something I genuinely love doing.

Building Experience for Various Mental Health Challenges

I began my experience as a mental health counselor in 2021 while completing my graduate studies in New Jersey. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in private practice as well as intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and standard outpatient settings.

In 2023, I moved to Los Angeles, where I joined an outpatient recovery center supporting individuals transitioning from hospitalization. This role allowed me to work with clients through individual, group, and family therapy sessions, giving me a broader perspective on treatment strategies.

My positions across diverse settings have exposed me to various mental health challenges, including ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders. I’ve also addressed topics like relationship issues, family dynamics, school troubles, and significant life changes.

I’ve worked with clients of all ages, from children to seniors, but I feel especially connected to helping kids, teenagers and young adults. My focus areas include depression, anxiety disorders, life transitions, and body-related concerns.

Each experience has enriched my understanding, helping me craft a supportive environment where clients can feel empowered to make meaningful changes.

My Collaborative & Flexible Approach to Counseling

My counseling approach is all about focusing on the client and helping them create the life they want. I bring a relaxed and approachable energy to sessions, which builds trust and comfort. At the same time, I’m not afraid to challenge my clients when it feels necessary.

Each session is an opportunity to move toward personal goals, no matter if they’re big or small. I believe therapy is most effective when it’s goal-oriented and practical, planning steps that feel achievable.

I tailor my methods to meet each client’s unique needs. Depending on the situation, I incorporate techniques from several kinds of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and motivational interviewing. I often lean toward a psychodynamic approach, which lets clients explore how unconscious thoughts, emotions, and past experiences influence their present behaviors.

I offer both in-person and teletherapy sessions to accommodate different preferences and lifestyles. Sessions will typically last 50 minutes and are scheduled on a weekly or biweekly basis, depending on what works best for the client.

Ultimately, I want my clients to feel empowered to succeed and grow in their own time and way. Counseling is a partnership, and I’m here to advise, encourage, and assist you at every step of the process.

The Guiding Principles of My Therapy Style

I believe therapy starts with a safe, welcoming space that feels personal to each client. Building trust and a solid therapeutic relationship is the foundation for positive change. Without that connection, true progress can be difficult to achieve.

Therapy should always align with a client’s individual needs. I see myself as a guide, helping clients move closer to their aspirations at a pace that’s right for them. Change comes from within, and sometimes, it just takes external motivation to uncover what’s possible. I strive to remain flexible and adaptable to meet each client where they are.

I also value the idea that small changes matter. Whether the goal is managing symptoms, maintaining sobriety, enhancing social skills, or finding a place to speak freely, every step forward is worth celebrating. Progress doesn’t always come easily, and even small victories can represent growth.

I strongly encourage self-care, and it’s often the first homework I assign clients. Taking care of yourself is essential for creating a foundation of wellness and resilience.

Success in counseling looks different for everyone, so I prioritize aiding clients in defining what it means for them. My version of success may not align with someone else’s, and that’s okay. By setting achievable goals, we can build confidence and momentum. Growth is continuous, and there’s no limit to how much we can improve ourselves.

At the end of the day, we are all human, doing our best to maneuver life’s ups and downs. I feel honored to support those who need a helping hand along the way.

Looking Ahead to My Career Aspirations

In the next 5 to 10 years, I aim to deepen my expertise as a mental health counselor. While I’m still early in my career, I am devoted to growing my skills and refining my techniques to become the greatest therapist I can be.

I also plan to build on my experience working with children as my career progresses. Supporting young clients through life’s struggles is something I find deeply rewarding, and I want to keep contributing positively to their lives.

With time, I look forward to achieving these aspirations while continuing to grow as a professional.

Finding Balance Outside of Work

I believe self-care is vital for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and preventing burnout. While I love my work as a counselor, I make time to recharge and do things that bring me joy.

Spending quality time with my family and friends is one of my favorite ways to relax. I also like reading, listening to podcasts, skincare routines, and watching my favorite TV shows and movies. These small moments of joy keep me grounded and refreshed.

I enjoy staying active through Pilates, exercising, and going outdoors when the weather is nice. Creativity is another way I unwind, such as coloring, cooking, or trying new hobbies. Exploring new restaurants is something I always look forward to, and I’m especially a fan of pasta and sushi.

Finding time for fun, relaxation, movement, and learning are all part of how I stay balanced. These hobbies help me show up as my best self for my clients.

Contact me, Allison Madden, at (980) 575-1231

If you're ready to give a different kind of therapy a shot, give us a call at Bright View Counseling!

We would love to schedule a time to talk to you more about how we can help! We serve clients throughout the Charlotte, NC area, providing quality grief counseling and depression therapy.