What is strengths-focused therapy?

Allison Bender, she/her

I use a strengths-based approach to working with others. This means that I want to know what you are capable of before I learn what you are struggling with. It's not what's wrong with you, it's what's happened to you. I want to empower you to uncover your own skills and assets because I believe working with what you have is the most sustainable future for you and your circumstances. I believe you know a thing or two about how to move your life forward, and you are simply needing clarity to make an action plan. I aim to support you in uncovering what you may have forgotten about yourself.

My clinical experience and education has led me to work in schools facilitating restorative justice circles, providing in-home therapy to families with youth in crisis, and supporting a variety of individuals and couples in a group practice downtown. Opening my own practice in the spring of 2022 had been a growth edge I've leaned into that that has allowed me to more finely craft the ways I work with clients and focus on empowerment from the bottom up.

I have earned undergraduate degrees in social work, and gender and women's studies from UW-Madison. I have pursued my master's degree in clinical social work at UW-Madison, and later obtained a clinical license from the State of Wisconsin. I utilize a variety of clinical modalities and techniques: Behavior Modification, CBT, EMDR, Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing, Psychoeducation, Solution-Focused, TF-CBT, and more. Collaboratively, we will decide what is the best approach for you!

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When I am not working in my office, I am out and about exploring Madison on my bike. I have a thriving houseplant collection, although my office is a bidding jungle too! I am creative and enjoy making art and learning new crafting hobbies. I love reading in a hammock when the weather permits and getting out on Madison's lakes.