Allison Hayes
“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.
“Help.” said the horse.”
- The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy​​
In an environment that values achievement and operates in perfectionism, it takes profound humility and courage to practice vulnerability, face painful experiences, and learn new skills. I have a deep admiration for each person and family I have the privilege of working with and getting to know.
Education
I have a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The King’s University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication and Sociology from Abilene Christian University. I completed the trainings from the Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas, and I am experienced in providing Child-Centered Play Therapy and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CCPT & CPRT). I graduated from The Village Training Institute (TVCI) from The Village Church in 2020-2021 and I have also completed seminary courses from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am Licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the state of Texas (License #92899.) I am supervised by Glenna Massey, MMFT, LPC-S (License #73551.) Glenna Massey, MMFT, LPC-S can be reached at 469-274-2784 and 2201 Spinks Rd, Suite 125, Flower Mound, TX 75022.
My Approach
I take an eclectic approach and draw from theoretical orientations of a Person-centered approach, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems Theory. These can also include interventions such as role-playing, exploration of family of origin relationships, sand tray, and other expressive art therapies.
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I believe we are healed and transformed in the context of unconditional love.
Carl Rogers, the pioneer of person-centered therapy, famously said, "People are just as wonderful as sunsets if I can let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, 'Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner'... I don't try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds."
There is a similar rule of thumb in child-centered play therapy that teaches: when we focus on the problem, we lose sight of the person.
When it comes to how God approaches us in our problems, one of the first names ascribed to God in Scripture is El Roi, "The Living One Who Sees Me," (Hagar, Genesis 16:13).
​I believe Scripture shows us that of all the sunsets and things in creation that take our breath away, nothing is more precious or glorious than the person next to you or the person looking back at you in the mirror. I want to take on the heart and posture of Jesus with my clients. I believe it is my job to see you and to identify and draw from your strengths in order to partner with you in meeting your needs and reaching your goals.
Experience
I have experience working with ages 3 to adulthood, which includes individuals, couples, and families. My area of specialty involves Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT). I’m eager to work with the family system, and I have had the privilege of seeing many children and parents empowered with the tools of CPRT!
Personal Life
I work part-time as a counselor and full-time as a wife and mom. As a wife and mom, I'm trying to cross that bridge of applying the truth and love of Jesus to my daily life, specifically with my husband and child first. So when I’m not counseling, you can find me trying to practice what I teach, which includes playing on the floor with my baby girl, getting creative on spending quality time with my husband, and learning to accept my limitations with empathy and compassion.
Fees & Insurance
50-Minute Session: $120
45-Minute Play Therapy Session: $120
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I am not able to accept insurance as payment, but I can offer superbill, sliding scale, and scholarship program options! I'm happy to discuss options with you and get creative if needed.
Finding the Right Fit
Searching for the counselor you need can be quite the overwhelming process!
If I’m not the best fit for you, it would be my honor to help you find the right fit.