Ariel Allman

Ariel Allman, M.A. (she/her) is a therapist-in-training pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology at Adler University. Ariel believes that therapy is not only an amazing way to learn more about yourself, but also a great way to learn ways to build community and learn skills to forge positive relationships. Ariel brings empathy, unconditional positive regard, collaboration, and humor to the therapy space, and aims to make it a warm and safe environment. Ariel takes a holistic approach to work with individuals, couples and families, incorporating techniques from Client-Centered, Adlerian, Modern Psychodynamic, and Feminist Therapies. She is passionate about working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, emerging adults, adults with disabilities, and older adults. Ariel has experience in treating individuals with anxiety and depression as well as those who struggle with anger, trauma, and relational issue.

Education and Credentials

• Adler University – Doctoral Student, Clinical Psychology, 4th Year
• University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, B.S. in Biology with Minors in Psychology and Theatre

What do you like about being a therapist?

I am so grateful to work in a field that I am passionate about and love deeply. I believe that therapy is an amazing way to learn more about yourself,  build community and skills to forge positive relationships. The many impacts of the therapeutic process amaze me, and I continue to be in awe of the ways this process helps individuals I work with.

As a therapist, I am grateful that I can provide people with a safe place to process and discuss the difficult parts of life. The world can be a scary, judgmental place and I hope to bring comfort and provide guidance when things get hard.

What do you like to do when you are not working? What do you do for fun?

When I’m not working, I love to go rock climbing, play video games, or watch anime, YouTube, or a favorite comfort movie/tv series. I also like to spend time with my friends, partner, and my cat and explore the Chicago-land area! Some of my favorite spots are Lucy’s Fried Chicken and Smashburgers in Uptown, 88 Marketplace in Chinatown, and Grant Park.

What are you excited about? What is your passion? What do you want to learn more about?

One of the things that I am the most excited and passionate about is being able to give back to the LGBTQ+ community. As a bisexual woman who grew up in a conservative environment, I know how hard it is to feel unaccepted. I am grateful to have more opportunities to work with my community and hope to provide a safe, empathic, and nonjudgemental environment for them.

I am also very passionate about working with older adults and adults with disabilities. Prior to attending graduate school, I worked as a Direct Support Professional for adults with disabilities. This was one of the most rewarding parts of my life and I would love to be able to work with this community again in my therapeutic practice. I also am eager to learn more about incorporating therapy into end-of-life or palliative care and hope to be able to work with individuals in this stage of life in the future.