Alison Segal, MSHE, Counseling Intern

Alison “Ali” Segal (she/her/hers) counsels adults across the lifespan, with a particular interest in emerging adults, adults in mid-life, and parents. In 2021-22, Ali completed a practicum at the Family Institute at Northwestern University, where she treated individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and relational issues. Ali takes an integrative approach to counseling, incorporating psychodynamic, person-centered, relational, strengths-based, and mindfulness-based approaches. Prior to training as a psychotherapist, Ali spent 20 years working as a college admissions officer, college counselor, and career coach. With characteristic warmth, compassion, wisdom, and humor, she counseled hundreds of students and parents during the often stressful process of applying to college. She also helped students identify their vocational interests and make meaningful professional connections. Ali holds a BA in Psychology and Spanish from Amherst College and a Masters in Higher Education Administration and Policy from Northwestern. She will graduate with an MA in Counseling from Northwestern University in June 2023.

Working with individuals and families, Ali has experience working with the following issues:

• Anxiety and Depressive Disorders
• Self-esteem issues
• Major life transitions/changes
• Parent/child and familial relationships
• Romantic relationships
• Interpersonal issues
• Identity development and acceptance
• Religion and Spirituality

Billing under the supervision of M. Chet Mirman, Ph.D., Ali is an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO

Personal Statement
I am both humbled and energized by the opportunity to partner with people across the lifespan to address their most intimate goals, desires, questions, and challenges. I believe therapy is an alliance between client and therapist; one that is maximally effective when grounded in authenticity, trust, and unconditional acceptance. My role as therapist is not to give you answers, but to seek with you so that you can see yourself more clearly. I will join you in exploring what is true for you and support you as you practice standing in that truth. To the extent that it serves you, I will offer observation, insight, psychoeducation, mindfulness practices, anecdotes, and gentle challenges to help you embody yourself more fully. I’m committed to developing a nuanced understanding of you, uniquely, and I will always approach our work together with humility, warmth, compassion, and curiosity. I favor psychodynamic, mindfulness-based, and person-centered approaches. I’m committed to practicing therapy in a holistic and culturally competent way; one that honors, celebrates and seeks to understand your unique social identities and how these shape your life.