24 Bronze Pointe N. | Swansea, IL 62226
24 Bronze Pointe N. | Swansea, IL 62226
Alison Hartmann, MSW
Children | Adolescents | Teens | Young Adults | Adults
About Me
I believe meaningful change happens through connection, understanding, and collaboration. My goal is to create a supportive environment where clients feel safe being themselves, exploring challenges, and building confidence in their ability to navigate life's ups and downs. I approach therapy with compassion, curiosity, and a sense of humor, recognizing that growth often happens when people feel both supported and accepted.
My professional experience includes working with adolescents in residential treatment settings, supporting court-mandated clients, and providing therapy services to college-aged students. I have also spent many years caring for and supporting children of various ages, including youth on the autism spectrum. These experiences have helped shape my passion for understanding the unique needs, relationships, and experiences that influence emotional well-being.
I am especially interested in attachment-based work and helping clients better understand the ways relationships impact their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Whether someone is navigating family conflict, relationship challenges, life transitions, or emotional struggles, I enjoy helping clients strengthen self-awareness and develop healthier patterns of connection.
Areas of Interest
Attachment and Relationship Concerns
Family Relationships
Peer and Social Challenges
Self-Esteem
Emotional Regulation
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Identity Development
Autism Spectrum Support
Personal Growth and Self-Awareness
Therapeutic Approach
I utilize a strengths-based, relationship-centered approach to therapy and believe every client deserves individualized care that reflects their unique needs and goals. I strive to build strong therapeutic relationships while helping clients develop practical skills, deeper self-understanding, and healthier ways of coping with challenges.
Therapeutic approaches I may incorporate include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills
Play-Based Therapy
Art-Based Interventions
Sand Tray Therapy
Attachment-Based Interventions
Parent & Family Involvement
I believe parents and caregivers play an important role in the therapeutic process, particularly when working with children and adolescents. Families often have valuable insight into a child's experiences, strengths, and challenges that can help guide treatment and support meaningful progress.
Parent involvement is individualized based on factors such as age, treatment goals, family dynamics, and client comfort level. My hope is to create a collaborative partnership where caregivers feel supported, informed, and empowered alongside their child. Meaningful change often involves growth both inside and outside the therapy room, and I encourage families to approach the process with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn new skills together.
Education & Credentials
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
LSW - pending
A Little More About Me
Most people call me Ali. I enjoy bringing warmth, humor, and authenticity into my work and have often been described as someone who is good at helping even the toughest clients open up and feel comfortable. I understand that therapy can feel intimidating at first, and I strive to create a space where clients feel accepted without pressure to be perfect.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy learning about rocks and minerals - a hobby that often becomes a fun point of connection with younger clients. I also value lifelong learning and am excited to continue expanding my knowledge and skills as a therapist.