About Allison Brown, LCPC, NCC, RPT

I am your Child and Teen Counselor…

If you’re a parent who feels overwhelmed by your child’s unpredictable reactions, I can help. I’m on a mission to equip children and teens with the proper tools to handle challenging situations and empower parents to know how to support their kids successfully.

Before working as a counselor, I had the opportunity to work as the Director of Potomac Glen Riding School in Montgomery County, Maryland – a Horseback Riding School for kids ages 4-18. While there, I developed a true passion for helping children heal wounds they had developed in their lives.

Today, partnering with your child and family to walk through a healing journey is my life’s joy and great honor. I have compassion for how hard it is to move through difficult experiences as a child and young adult, which is why I love what I do.

My experience includes …

…a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and a Bacherlor’s degree in Psychology from Frostburg State University

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Board Approved Supervisor in the state of Maryland, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). I have experience working with children, adolescents, and families.

I use a combination of Play Therapy and other expressive therapies to help kids learn new skills and work through things in the way they already interact with the world. I’m trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and utilize a strengths-based approach.

Here are a few more things about me.

I love to geek out on research. Before becoming a counselor, I had a career in clinical research. To this day, I like to keep a pulse on new trials in my field.

When I’m not working with children, teens, and their families, I enjoy spending time with my niece and nephew.

I’m also high-energy (Hello, horse and saddle!) and can usually be found jogging, hiking, or enjoying the outdoors.

Contact me by phone (240) 778-5060 or by emailing me at allison@tenderheartscounseling.com.

FAQ for Children and Teens

Where are you located?

Tender Hearts Counseling is in North Bethesda, Maryland.

What are the ages of the children and teen with whom you work?

I work with children ages 3-12 and teens/college students ages 13 and up.

What sort of challenges do you help address?

Common challenges I see include (but are not limited to) the following: trouble adjusting to significant changes in life (going to a new school, transitioning into the workforce), worry and anxiety, ADHD (impulsivity, hyperactivity, and trouble focusing), abuse and traumatic events, depression, and other mood-related challenges.

What happens in the first appointment?

There is never a one-size-fits-all approach, so appointments might look different from client to client.

For a child, during the intake appointment, you (the parents) and I will have a conversation about the challenges you’re experiencing. It’s best for your child to also be in the room to help them understand the purpose of coming to the office.

There will then be time for play and/or talking. The goals of the intake appointment are for me to build a connection with your child and develop a plan of action based on your concerns.

What happens after the first appointment?

Some sort of homework is usually given to help you try and support your child throughout the week. For older teens, frequently they identify some action steps they can work on throughout the week. It can be a range of skills that are taught or things that the teen identifies on their own.

What is play therapy?

Play therapy uses play, a child’s natural medium of expression, to help them express their frustrations and challenges. Children express their feelings through play while adults use their words (talk therapy).

Do you use play therapy with older children and teens?

Play therapy can be used with all ages when appropriate. It’s another way that someone can express themselves in a session. Frequently, teens prefer to talk, and talk therapy is utilized as the primary intervention.

Do you use other forms of therapy?

Yes! I have significant training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and use a strengths-based approach. These are used independently with teens and young adults and are frequently integrated into play therapy for younger children.