Counsellor Profile: Allison Wilkinson
Relationships are challenging-but sacred. I find it a great honour to be invited into your story. I am not afraid of the mess, chaos, ups and downs. We’ve all been there. What’s important is bringing it to the surface in a safe space-judgement free. Slowing down, wrestling with what’s actually going on—it’s important stuff. As a therapist I use an integrative approach grounded in both Emotion Focused Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I see my role as a counselor as one of bringing hope, structure, wider perspective and options into the room. I am not in charge of making decisions or deciding on the path, just doing my absolute best to care wholeheartedly, offer tools and resources, help give insights and maintain a culture of honour in the session for everyone.
My faith and walk with Jesus is absolutely at the core of all that I am and do. Though I hold my faith so dearly, I in no way expect my clients to do the same.
I am mom to the coolest two year old and wife of 7.5 years to the most amazing man! My family and I love adventuring, playing board games, dancing and big dining tables full of family and friends! I also find art, crafty things and reading incredibly life-giving so I try my best to add them into my day-to-day whenever possible. I am originally from just outside of Nashville, Tennessee and after marrying an Englishman, I moved to Sheffield in 2018. I feel like I am learning more cultural differences every week—but am beyond thankful to call both places home!
Experience
For the past 12 years, I have been involved in helping professions in a variety of settings. Homeless shelters, at-risk youth programs, a residential facility for women coming out of addition and prostitution and professional counselling. Since moving to Sheffield, I have worked as a mentor in schools and am currently in the position of Youth Worker at Wadsley Parish Church. Specific to counselling, my training is in Marriage and Family Therapy. I completed my placement at Thistle Farms Residential Facility and founded a private practice while in Nashville. Over my time in the counselling world, I have gained experience working closely with folks walking through trauma, conflict, depression, anxiety, post-partum depression, pre-martial communication, marital stress and addiction.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts in both Sociology and Public Relations, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee
Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, Tennessee
Association of Christian Counsellors Accredited Register
I work with clients for:
Pre-Marital (honestly, I cannot speak higher of the importance of pre-marital counselling! It’s fun and a great way to build a strong foundation)
Marriage check-in’s (MOT type work—every relationship needs maintenance. My husband and I have been given the advice of routine check-ins repeatedly by couples we look up to.)
Issues in Marriage (examples: transition, affairs, trust, apathy, communication, conflict, grief)
Wider relationship struggles
Availability
I am currently on maternity leave, and therefore not accepting clients at the moment.
