Member Spotlight: Allison
Date postedAugust 1, 2024
Meet Allison Kirsch!
Allison (she/her/hers) grew up in Upstate New York at the edge of the Adirondack Mountains. She is now based in Maryland just outside of Washington, DC. She is a Psychotherapist and Founder at Experiential Minds Therapy. Tell us a bit about what you do at your organization.
I am self-employed and offer therapy to individuals ages 10+, families, and groups. Three days per week the woods is my office and I do Adventure Therapy and walk-and-talk sessions in addition to a women’s hiking group. The other days I work from my office and use Somatic and Mindfulness-based approaches in addition to traditional talk therapy.
Tell us more about yourself!
My happy place is nature! I am an avid hiker and backpacker and hit the 700 mile mark recently as an Appalachian Trail section hiker - mostly doing solo sections and encouraging friends and family to join me when possible. I live in Maryland, just a few steps from Rock Creek Park, and am in the woods most days! I am also a mom of two teenagers who I have encouraged to love hiking and camping, one of whom often joins me on my shorter backpacking trips. I also love reading, skiing, travel, and listening to live music!
Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked in business operations for a number of years in various executive roles. In addition to my degree in social work, I also have a Masters degree in Health Promotion Management and worked for many years encouraging others to improve their own health and wellness. Now all of my previous experience seems to be coming together in a career that I love!
Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked in business operations for a number of years in various executive roles. In addition to my degree in social work, I also have a Masters degree in Health Promotion Management and worked for many years encouraging others to improve their own health and wellness. Now all of my previous experience seems to be coming together in a career that I love!
What excites you when you think about the future of Experiential Education?
More people recognizing it as a wonderful and helpful therapeutic approach!
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired and awed by human kindness - everyday acts of kindness that people do even when (especially when) no one is watching.
In your free time, we can probably find you:
Reading, hiking, hanging out with my family, dog, or friends, or doing some kind of physical activity!
How long have you been involved with AEE?
I think I became a member in 2020 and originally heard about AEE through various contacts within the Adventure Therapy world. Now I’m a Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist.
What is the most rewarding part about being a Member of AEE?
Having access to resources and hearing about the amazing things others are doing!
Find Allison here: allison@experientialminds.com and Instagram @the.experiential.therapist
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