Allie Pail, LLMSW
CLINICAL THERAPIST
Locations: Grand Rapids, Online
Specialties:
Trauma
Anxiety + Depression
Immigration-Related Stressors
Suicidal Ideation
Self-Harm
ADHD + Autism Spectrum
College Students
Body Image
Works With: Children, Pre-Teens, Teens, Adults
Email: allie@rootedcounselingmi.com
Hey there,
I BECAME A THERAPIST BECAUSE NOBODY NEEDS TO EXPERIENCE THE INTENSITY OF LIFE AND HUMAN EMOTIONS ALONE.
I have gravitated toward working with children and young adults for much of my life, sharing in their struggles, joy, humor, and playfulness. Finding your way in the world as a young person can be challenging, and I find great happiness in walking alongside children, teens, and young adults as they discover their identity and purpose. Growing up in today’s tumultuous world is no small feat, and I am intentional about considering how the current political and social landscape of our country is influencing young people.
I approach my work with clients uniquely for each individual, and I draw from the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) framework, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Integrative Family and Systems Treatment (I-FAST), and both play and art therapy techniques to help clients achieve their goals. My work is informed by how trauma impacts brain development and the importance of using body-based tools to promote regulation. I have experience working with kids and families with high-intensity needs and complex backgrounds, and especially connect with clients experiencing trauma-related issues, anxiety, depression, immigration-related stressors, suicidal ideation, self-harm, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), transitions into young adulthood, college students, and body image issues.
If you are here as a parent seeking support for your child, I am honored to be considered as a collaborator in your child’s care. Parenting is one of life’s most challenging offerings and inviting others to share your struggle can feel intimidating. When I team up with parents and children, I aim to offer realistic tools and methods to cope with whatever has led you to seeking individual therapy for your child. You are not in it alone.
Outside of work, I love engaging in a variety of hobbies, including board games, reading, cooking and baking, crocheting, watercolor painting, and video games. I adore my two rambunctious cats and spend much of my free time with my fiance and family. I also attend and teach group fitness classes and love honing the mind-body connection.
Education: I am a proud Spartan alumna and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Comparative Cultures & Politics and History from Michigan State University. I went on to earn my Master’s Degree (MSc) in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies from the University of Oxford and my Master of Social Work (MSW) with a Trauma-Informed Practice Certificate and Mental Health with Children and Adolescents specialization from Case Western Reserve University. I am also certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) framework.
