

Allison Herman, M.S., ASW
ASW # 113848
Supervised by Sari Rose Barron, LMFT, MFC #87400

Psychotherapist
“Life is not what it’s supposed to be, it’s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.” ~ Virginia Satir
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“Hello, my name is Allison Herman! I am a seasoned clinical social worker with years of experience on the East Coast. My passion in the field of clinical social work began with a devotion to helping individuals and their families battle through both chemical addictions and persistent mental health struggles. I began my learning journey as a student at Columbia University in the Master’s in Social Work Program. I am an expert in helping families navigate through the lowest points of their struggles with a focus on utilizing a family systems/strengths based approach to treatment. I completed a post graduate training program at NYU Psychoanalytic Institute and studied Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents. I took a break from actively practicing social work as I raised my children.
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I now consider Southern California my home after being here for 10 years, and I am in the process of becoming a licensed clinical social worker in California. I was working at an Adolescent IOP as the Lead Therapist for the past 2 1/2 years. My biggest pleasure was running a weekly Parenting Group for the parents dealing with their teenage children who were suffering from both mental health struggles and addictions. I believe in the power of feeling like you are not alone. I have been described as warm, genuine, vulnerable, and passionate for making a difference in the lives of my clients. I also believe in the importance of using humor as a tool to cope during hard times.
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I work through the lens of attachment theory, grounded in a psychodynamic understanding of how early relationships shape us. I also draw on my family-systems training to help families transform their communication patterns and day-to-day interactions. Using a strengths-based perspective, I help you tap the positive resources
already woven into you and your family’s dynamics.
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I am thrilled to have joined the SoCal Individual, Family, & Trauma Therapy Group. Therapy is hard work and I would be honored to be the one holding the light up as you begin to do the digging.”
EXPERIENCE
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Individuals, Adolescents, Children
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Parenting
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Addictions Including Chemical and Substance Use
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Groups
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Dual Diagnosis Expert
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Crisis Intervention
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Family Systems
ADVANCED TRAININGS
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Psychodynamic Therapy for Children & Adolescents - NYU Psychoanalytic Institute
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Child Abuse and Neglect: “Children First: Improving the Community and Professional Response" - The Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) at NYU School of Social Work
EDUCATION
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Children & Adolescents
(Post-Grad Training)
New York University Psychoanalytic Institute, New York
Master of Science in Social Work with a Major in Clinical Practice, Field of Health, Mental Health, and Disability
Columbia University School of Social Work
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Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology & Art History
Lafayette College