Alla Folsom

When you experience a rupture- a traumatic event upends your life, an affair shakes your relationship, a sudden loss screeches your world to a stop- it seems like you’ll never feel “normal” again. Like a part of who you were before is just gone. We cannot undo what happened. But we can figure out a path forward. Whether you are a couple recovering from an affair or just trying to find your spark again, or a survivor of trauma trying to reconnect with a sense of safety and well-being, or you just need a space for self-reflection and personal growth, I am ready to help you navigate the complex.

Clients often seek my help with life transitions, questions about sexuality, stress, cultural identity, and self-esteem. I am uniquely positioned to help Russian speakers explore themselves comfortably. I enjoy working with high achievers, members of our LGBTQIA+ community, and clients in non-monogamous relationships. But mostly, if you need a respectful, direct, but empathetic and warm environment in which to work through who you truly are and who you wish to be, then let us see how we can realize what your journey through life can look like, together.

MY BACKGROUND AND APPROACH

I graduated from National Louis University with my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, but there is so much more to life beyond what is on that page. I am a walking, talking diversity. Being born in Siberia; working as a psychotherapist internationally for over 13 years; holding 3 master's degrees in theatre, psychology and counseling; experiencing homelessness and working as an international model; writing books; and creating a YouTube channel focused on empowering Russian-speaking women all over the world - I can say I have truly experienced a wide array of what life can throw at you. Currently, I am working towards licensure in the state of Florida as a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern. All of these experiences have culminated in my creative approach to helping you find your unique path through life. I use an integrative, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, along with many of the most proven methodologies (CBT, CPT, DBT, SFBT, MBSR, etc.). I help you explore your identity through expressive art therapy, neurographic art therapy, and psychodrama. I strive to be warm, creative, and directive in my approach to helping you connect with your authentic self.