Ashley Allcorn, LCSW.
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
I work with individuals and couples. My clinical interests include artistic expression, mindfulness, sexual and gender identity exploration, sex-positive approaches, existential questioning, trauma recovery, couples therapy, harm reduction, religious trauma, and body image. I believe in creating a trauma-informed and empathetic space that allows the therapeutic relationship to flourish.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I received an a.m. in clinical social work from the university of chicago’s school of social service administration, and my b.a. in social work and an m.a. in philosophy and applied ethics from texas state university. Prior to becoming a therapist, I taught philosophy and ethics at texas state university with a focus on feminist theory, sexual ethics, and moral psychology. I work from a client-centered theoretical approach and practices from a post-modern and philosophically-informed lens.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
I have a client I have been working with for 4 years. When we first started working together they were struggling with suicidal ideation and lack of self-worth. At one point, this client even had to be hospitalized. This client was always committed to their growth though and now they are probably the healthiest and most stable client I work with. We have a very collaborative relationship with lots of mutual respect. I think that made all the difference.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
Setting boundaries and protecting myself from burn out. I live in a community that is limited when it comes to mental health resources. When I started working in this community I had a hard time saying no to new clients and I had too many clients on my caseload. My work/personal life balance got out imbalanced and I was not as present as I wanted to be with clients. I have learned to prioritize my own well-being so I can fully show up for clients.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
The top 3 tips I'd give.
- First, do your own therapy. We can't emotionally go somewhere with a client if we haven't gone there within ourself.
- Second, take care of yourself. Exercise, meditate, eat nutritious foods, and develop a sense of community.
- Third, seek advice and meet with people who have started their own private practice. It can be overwhelming at first so having someone guide you through the process makes the experience much easier.