Our Team

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Brooke Allen, a white fat ciswoman in her forties, smiles at the camera. She has medium length gray-brown hair and is wearing a green sweater and large blue earrings.
  • Leadership & Admin
  • Therapist

Brooke Allen

She/Her

Licensed Professional Counselor, Internship and Fellowship Manager

ballen@liveoakchicago.com

312.899.6433

English

Values & Philosophy

We are each the writer of our own story. Feelings and events outside of our control can sometimes make us feel like these stories are being written for us, not by us. When this happens we seek out ways to take back the authorship of our own individual experiences by developing new perspectives on the events that have shaped us. Meaning and clarity begin to form as we revise and deepen our understanding of our life stories.

I am a person-centered and relational therapist. This means that our sessions will be a collaborative and nurturing space where you are able to take the lead in developing a sense of self-compassion that promotes positive growth from within. In our work together we will use non-judgmental observation to recognize and untangle messaging you may have received throughout your life that is no longer serving you. We will explore your relationship with your values, the roles you have played in life and the ways your connection to self has been impacted by society and the world around you.

Elements of my own story include living in a blended family system, grief and loss, navigating privilege, queerness and fat liberation/body neutrality. I use empathetic listening, validation, humor and strength focused questioning with my clients to help gently guide them away from the stuck feeling that can sometimes occur in our lives. I work best with clients who are ready to jump in and begin the exploration.

Education & Training

Licensure

LPC, 178.018004
Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation, 2022

Degrees

MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 2021

BA, English: Creative Writing
Webster University, 2002

Areas of Focus & Specialization

  • Body Neutrality and Fat Liberation
  • Grief & Loss
  • Depression, Anxiety, & Stress
  • Adoption / Reunion
  • Mindfulness & Self Care
  • Identity Exploration & Development
  • Health Anxiety

I Work With

  • Individuals (adults)
  • Relationships (couples)
  • Families (blended, adoptive, interracial)

Modalities

  • LGBTQ Affirmative Practice
  • Feminist Approaches
  • Trauma Informed Practice
  • Person-Centered Approaches
  • Relational