Allison Schmehl, LPC-R
Therapist
Gender: Female | Office Location: Old Town, Telehealth | States Licensed In: | Languages: English
Services Offered: Therapy | Credentials: | Age Group: Ages 3+
About Me
I’m Allison Schmehl, a Resident in Counseling (LPC-R) practicing under the supervision of Ruth Brown. I earned my MA in School Counseling from The George Washington University and hold degrees in Psychology and Brain & Cognitive Sciences from the University of Rochester. I have been practicing counseling for about three years and have more than 10 years of experience working with children and adolescents in clinical and educational settings. I also provide therapy for young adults and adults.
I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, OCD, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, family changes, stress, identity concerns, and challenges with executive functioning and emotion regulation. I have a particular interest in supporting children, teens, and adults with ADHD and autism, as well as parents seeking to better understand and support their child’s needs. I also enjoy working with new and expecting mothers experiencing perinatal or postpartum concerns, including recovery from difficult or traumatic birth experiences.
My Approach to Therapy
I bring a warm, relational, and person-centered approach to therapy. I believe meaningful change begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel seen, understood, and accepted. I also believe every person has strengths that can support healing—even when those strengths may be difficult to recognize during challenging times.
My sessions are a balance of conversation, reflection, and practical skills. I want our work to have direction while still leaving room for what feels most important to you that day. I use an integrative approach that may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), psychodynamic therapy, narrative therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) skills. With younger children, I also incorporate play therapy and creative approaches to help them express themselves and build healthy coping skills.
I believe that you are the expert on your own life and story. My role is to listen deeply, help you better understand the experiences and patterns that have shaped you, and offer clinical perspective and practical tools when they can help.
Who I Work With
I work with children ages 3+, teens, young adults, adults, parents and caregivers, college students, professionals, neurodivergent clients, and individuals experiencing perinatal or postpartum concerns.
Many of my clients come to therapy because life simply feels harder than it should, and they aren’t sure what to do next. Children and teens may be struggling with friendships, bullying, academic pressure, emotions, executive functioning, sensory needs, or challenges at home or school. Adults may be navigating anxiety, depression, relationships, neurodivergence, major life changes, or difficulties understanding and accepting themselves.
For parents, therapy can also be a place to better understand their child’s ADHD, autism, emotional health, or developmental needs. I especially enjoy supporting parents who find themselves wondering, “How can I best support my child?”
What to Expect When Working With Me
During our first appointment, we’ll spend time getting to know each other and talking about what brought you—or your child—to therapy. I’ll share a little about myself and my approach, ask questions to better understand what’s going on, and then we’ll work together to establish goals for therapy.
You don’t have to arrive knowing exactly what to say or where to begin. We’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable, and I won’t expect you to share something before you’re ready. My hope is that you can show up as your authentic self and leave sessions feeling heard, understood, and supported as you move toward meaningful growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with children and teenagers?
Yes. I have more than 10 years of experience working with children and adolescents in educational and clinical settings and provide therapy beginning at age 3. With younger children, I may incorporate play and creative approaches, while therapy with older children and teens may include practical CBT, DBT, and ACT-based skills.
Do you work with ADHD and autism?
Yes. I especially enjoy working with neurodivergent children, teens, and adults. Therapy may focus on executive functioning, emotional regulation, sensory needs, social experiences, self-advocacy, self-understanding, and navigating the demands of everyday life.
Can you help parents better understand their child’s needs?
Yes. I enjoy working with parents who want to better understand their child’s ADHD, autism, mental health, or developmental needs. We can explore what’s happening beneath the surface and identify ways to support your child while also navigating the realities of parenting.
Do you work with postpartum or maternal mental health concerns?
Yes. I have a special interest in maternal mental health and work with clients experiencing perinatal and postpartum concerns. This can include anxiety, overwhelm, postpartum depression or anxiety, and processing a difficult or traumatic pregnancy or birth experience.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
Finding the right therapist is an important part of counseling. If you’re looking for someone who listens without judgment, works collaboratively, and combines deeper understanding with practical, evidence-based strategies, we may be a good fit. During our first few sessions, we’ll determine together whether my approach meets your needs.
A Little More About Me
Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time with my husband, toddler son, and our dachshund. I love singing, songwriting, playing music, and exploring the DMV and beyond. Having called Old Town Alexandria home for more than a decade, I feel especially connected to the individuals and families I have the privilege of serving.
You don’t have to show up as a polished version of yourself or have everything figured out before beginning therapy. You can come exactly as you are. I look forward to getting to know you and working together toward the goals that matter most to you.
Allison provides in-person appointments at our Old Town and Stevenson Avenue Alexandria office, as well as telehealth services for clients who prefer to meet virtually.