About Allison Abrams
Allison Abrams, LCSW-R is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and mental health advocate in NYC. She writes for numerous publications including Psychology Today, The Huffington Post, VerywellMind, and Good Therapy, on subjects such as emotional wellness, relationships, and mental health awareness. She is a frequent media expert for national and international outlets such as NBC, USA Today, BBC, and Men’s Health. She is the co-author of A Contemporary Approach to Clinical Supervision: The Supervisee Perspective, published by Routledge, and the author of the Psychology Today Blog, Nurturing Self-Compassion.
Allison received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (BA) from Georgian Court University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Hunter College School of Social Work. She completed her post-graduate training with the Psychoanalytic Association of New York, affliated with NYU Medical School, and the Contemporary Freudian Society. Allison began her career working in community mental health clinics and addiction treatment centers throughout the South Bronx, and was the former coordinator of the Women’s Health Initiative at The Actors Fund, a social service organization for performing artists, where she provided counseling and support groups to women facing major health crises. In addition to her formal meditation training, Allison has been a student and practitioner of mindfulness meditation for more than two decades, which she often incorporates into her work with individuals, groups, and corporations.
Post-Graduate Training
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Fellowship in Psychoanalysis, Psychoanalytic Association of New York (PANY) affiliated with NYU Medical School
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Fellowship in Psychoanalysis, Contemporary Freudian Society of NY
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Certificate in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Contemporary Freudian Society of NY
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Certificate in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Richard Sears
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Certificate in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Palouse
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Certificates in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Coalition for Behavioral Health
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Certificate in Structural Family Therapy, Minuchin Center for the Family
Professional Affiliations/Licensures
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), State of New York
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LCSW “R” Privilege, State of New York
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Licensed Telehealth Provider, State of Florida
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), State of New Jersey
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), State of Massachusetts
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Clinical Supervision (SIFI) Certification, Fordham University, New York, NY
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Member of the National Association for Social Workers (NASW)
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Member of China America Psychoanalytic Alliance (CAPA)
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Associate Member of the American Psychological Association (APA)
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Member of the Contemporary Freudian Society (CFS)
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Affiliate Member, IOC, at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School affiliate
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Certified Executive Coach, Center for Executive Coaching
Journal Publications
Shklarski, L., Abrams, A., & Bakst, E. (2022). Psychotherapy in the Era of Covid-19: Therapists’ Decisions to Return to In-Person, Continue Working Remotely, or Offer a Hybrid Method . Digital Psychology, 3(1), 11–17. https://doi.org/10.24989/dp.v3i1.2034
Shklarski, L., Abrams, A. & Bakst, E. (2021) Will We Ever Again Conduct in-Person Psychotherapy Sessions? Factors Associated with the Decision to Provide in-Person Therapy in the Age of COVID-19. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-021-09492-w
Shklarski, L., Abrams, A., & Bakst, E. (2021). Navigating changes in the physical and psychological spaces of psychotherapists during Covid-19: When home becomes the office. Practice Innovations, 6(1), 55–66. https://doi.org/10.1037/pri0000138
Research
Peer Reviewer (2020-2022) Counselling and Psychotherapy Research Journal of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Research Study on Women’s Confidence, New York, NY. (2018)
Eranos, Relational Design Co. based in Paris, France
Provided data for global research study to establish measurement index and design operations. Results to be presented to an American NGO to design and launch initiatives to promote women's self-confidence. Allison took part in one of the largest global studies on women’s confidence, conducted by Eranos and commissioned by IT Cosmetics as part of a Global Campaign to “Help Women Live Their Daily Lives with Confidence.”
Abrams, A., Foster, R. & Hicks, G. (2015 - 2016)
Actors Fund, Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, New York, NY
Choosing Health and Happiness for Chronic Disease Management
Developed & facilitated workshops for women with chronic health issues.
Curriculum adapted from study at Mayo Clinic with Stage IV cancer patients.
Collected quantitative and qualitative data through online survey
Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, City University of New York (2009)
Master’s Thesis: “A Study of Resiliency in Victims of Childhood Trauma”
Professor Nancy Giunta
Secondary data extracted from larger study: “Forgiveness, Resiliency, and Survivorship Among Holocaust Survivors.” Dr. Roberta Greene, Principal Investigator and Dr. Carmen Morano, Co-Principal Investigator. SPSS data file, stratified random sampling, quantitative analysis.
Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, City University of New York (2008)
Social Welfare Policy and Services II: International Social Welfare
Professor Marina Lalayants
“Human Trafficking in Romania.” Social and Political Analysis
Teaching Experience
Guest Lecturer, Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, City University of New York, NY (2018).
Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups. Relevancy of mindfulness in social work.
Guest Lecturer, Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, City University of New York, NY (2016).
Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups Mindfulness practices to cope with difficult emotions.
Webinar Lecturer, Smith College School for Social Work, (2021). Remote Clinical Supervision during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Professional Presentations
Abrams, A. & Shklarski, L. (2021) Remote Clinical Supervision During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Smith College School of Social Work. Live webinarTo purchase: https://ssw.smith.edu/academics/professional-education/recorded-webinars/remote-clinical-supervision-during-covid-19
Abrams, A. & Mook, J. (2018) Mental health in the workplace. Anxiety, Stress, and PTSD: HR's ADA Accommodation and Performance Management Roadmap. BLR, Simplify Compliance. Live Webinar.
Abrams, A., Bro, S., Frazier, C., Harris, A.L., Khould, R., Schilling, V., Thomason, A.W., & Zoberman, I. (2017). Racial Equity Circle Community Forum. The Psychology and Contagion of Hate. (Invited speaker) Sponsored by Second Act Communities, Virginia Beach, Virginia