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Allison Herman, M.S., ASW

ASW # 113848

Supervised by Sari Rose Barron, LMFT, MFC #87400

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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

  • Individuals, Adolescents, Children

  • Parenting

  • Addictions Including Chemical and Substance Use

  • Groups

  • Dual Diagnosis Expert

  • Crisis Intervention

  • Family Systems

ADVANCED TRAININGS

  • Psychodynamic Therapy for Children & Adolescents - NYU Psychoanalytic Institute

  • 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

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