Professional Disclosure Statement

Allison Burwell, M.A., LPC

1228 N Hwy 123, San Marcos, TX 78666

allisonblythe@gmail.com     512-796-0060

Qualifications: I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2007 and Master of Arts in Health Psychology from Texas State University-San Marcos in 2010. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) #67752.                                                                              

Counseling Relationship: I see counseling as a collaborative process in which you, the client, and I, the Counselor, having come to understand and trust one another, work together to explore and define problem situations, develop goals for an improved life, and work in a systematic fashion toward realizing those goals.

Areas of Expertise:  In my undergraduate program, I completed a course in the theory and practice of Reality Therapy.  In my Health Psychology masters program, my coursework focused on the importance of understanding connections between psychological, biological, social, and behavioral aspects of physical and mental health, or a mind-body approach to overall well-being.  As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have provided psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups in private practice and medical settings utilizing a holistic approach to the therapeutic process.

Fee Scales:  Some insurance companies cover services provided by Licensed Professional Counselors.  Please contact me for further information regarding my ability to provide services through your insurance carrier and/or fee scales. 

Services Offered and Clients Served: Every individual is unique.  My approach to counseling will use practices and procedures that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each unique individual in his/her/their journey of personal growth.  I approach counseling from a holistic perspective, and implement elements of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy such that I acknowledge the ability of every individual to increase self-awareness through exploration of the basic needs that drive behavior and gain empowerment through one’s ability to make better choices and accept personal responsibility in generating solutions for a better future.  Basic needs and patterns of thoughts and actions will be explored in order to better understand the clients' problems and to develop solutions.  I work with clients in a variety of formats, including individuals and families. I see clients of all ages and backgrounds with the exception that I do not work individually with children under thirteen years of age.

Code of Conduct: As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am required by law to adhere to the Code of Conduct for practice that has been adopted by my licensing board. A copy of this Code of Conduct is available to you upon request.

Privileged Communication: It is important that you understand the limitations to confidentiality.  Material revealed in counseling will remain strictly confidential except under the following circumstances in accordance with state law: 

1. 1. The client signs a written release of information indicating informed                 consent of such release.
2. The client expresses intent to harm him/herself/theirselves or someone else.
3. There is a reasonable suspicion of abuse/neglect against a minor child (17 or younger), elderly person (60 or older), or a dependent adult.
4. A  court order is received directing the disclosure of information

It is my policy to assert privileged communication on behalf of the client and the right to consult with the client if at all possible, except during an emergency, before mandated disclosure. I will endeavor to apprise clients of all mandated disclosures when possible.

In the event of marriage or family counseling, material obtained from an adult client individually may be shared with the client's spouse or other family members only with the client's written permission. Any material obtained from a minor client may be shared with the client's parent or guardian.

Emergency Situations: If an emergency situation should arise, you may seek help through hospital emergency room facilities or by calling 911.

Client Responsibilities: You, the client, are a full partner in counseling. Your honesty and effort is essential to success. If as we work together you have suggestions or concerns about your counseling, I expect you to share these with me so that we can make the necessary adjustments. If it develops that you would be better served by another mental health provider, I will help you with the referral process. If you are currently receiving services from another mental health professional, I expect you to inform me of this and grant me permission to share information with this professional so that we may coordinate our services to adequately assist you.

Physical Health: Physical health can be an important factor in the emotional well-being of an individual. If you have not had a physical examination in the last year, it is recommended that you do so and to list any medications that you are now taking.

Potential Counseling Risk: The client should be aware that counseling poses potential risks. In the course of working together additional problems may surface of which the client was not initially aware. If this occurs, the client should feel free to share these new concerns with me.