Spring Life Counseling LLC

Allison Schoonmaker, MA, LPC

Therapeutic Approach:

I believe strongly in utilizing the client’s strengths to resolve his or her own difficulties by uncovering skills that are intrinsic in each client. Counseling primarily from a systemic perspective, I frequently draw on principles from cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy and reconciliation-focused therapy, while attending to the holistic growth of my clients: emotional, spiritual, mental and social development. I truly enjoy my clients and that is evident in the strength of my connection with each of them. I love helping people become the best version of themselves and watching as healing and freedom unfolds. I tend to be straight-forward in my therapeutic approach and am likely to crack a joke in session.

Expertise:

I see individuals, couples and families on the path toward health and healing. I am experienced in working with adolescents (13 and up) and adults of all ages. I work with clients dealing with relational distress and communication problems, codependency, anxiety, depression, sexual issues, affair recovery, blended family difficulties, dissatisfaction with singleness, adult survivors of childhood trauma, spiritual development, stress management and other issues.

Who do I not work with? While I am trained to address these areas, I do not prefer to work with the following issues: Children under the age of 15. (Contact me for a great referral for a therapist for your child!) Clients struggling with substance abuse issues who are not in other programs (such as AA, NA, CR or other outpatient support services). Eating disorders as the primary cause for treatment. 

Qualifications:

I hold a Masters of Art in Marriage and Family Counseling from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I also graduated with a bachelors degree in Speech Communication from McKendree University in Illinois. I am licensed as a professional counselor in the state of Louisiana. I have worked in private practice since 2006.

Personal:

I am originally from the St. Louis, Missouri area and moved to New Orleans for graduate school, 9 months before hurricane Katrina. Natural disasters seem to bring out the best in people and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Louisiana as we all chipped in to help each other heal and move forward. I met my husband soon after and we have one son who is likely the cutest child you’ve ever seen in your life.