Crissa Jewel Allen

Crissa Jewel Allen

BIPOC Identifying

PhD, LCMHC, NCC

Gender Identity: female

Short Biography

I help high-achieving adults (individuals and couples) in Raleigh and across North Carolina struggling with anxiety and burnout to find clarity and balance. Are you feeling stuck in anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges? You might look like you have it all together, but internally feel stuck or unsure of who you’re becoming. I can help you feel more grounded and confident. If you are: Transitioning cities and trying to find your people. In a new relationship and hoping to build healthier patterns. A power couple who can't get on the same page. Feeling weighed down by others’ expectations. You're in the right place!

Therapy Philosophy

Therapy with me is warm, reflective, and gently challenging. Together, we’ll unpack the patterns, values, and cultural influences that shaped you so you can feel at home within yourself. My goal is to help you move through the world feeling grounded, confident, and aligned with who you truly are. I work to understand the relationship between your mind, body, and feelings to help you identify opportunities for growth. In our field this is typically called cognitive behavioral therapy, emotion focused therapy and mindfulness combined. I'll help you establish a healthy relationship with your emotions, so you feel seen by yourself too!

Special Training & Certifications

I earned my master’s degree at North Carolina Central University and later completed my PhD at East Carolina University in 2023. Currently, I’m a fully licensed counselor who also has trained and taught other counselors. And even after graduation, I’m always taking trainings in relationship dynamics, communication techniques, protecting against burnout, and tools on how to help people process feelings rather than logic their way out of them.

Clinical Focus / Specialties

Generalized anxiety Neurodivergent Challenges Anxiety Social anxiety Health anxiety Depression Persistent sadness or low motivation Mood swings Bipolar disorder Seasonal depression Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) Childhood abuse or neglect Sexual trauma Relationship conflict Communication difficulties Divorce or separation Low self-esteem Self-criticism Perfectionism People-pleasing Assertiveness difficulties Identity exploration Stress & Life Adjustment Chronic stress Burnout Work-related stress Academic stress Major life transitions Relocation or adjustment difficulties Grief & Loss Death of a loved one Relationship loss Complicated grief Body image distress Behavioral & Emotional Regulation Impulsivity Difficulty regulating emotions Health-related stress ADHD Sexuality & Gender-Related Concerns Sexual identity exploration Gender identity exploration Coming out support Gender transition support Feeling stuck Emotional numbness Loss of meaning or direction Personal growth “Not feeling like myself”

Therapist Methodology

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Solution-Focused Therapy Relational Therapy Person-Centered Therapy Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) Gestalt Therapy Existential Therapy Trauma-Informed Therapy Somatic Therapy Mindfulness-Based Therapy Narrative Therapy Strengths-Based Therapy Feminist Therapy Holistic Therapy Humanistic Motivational Interviewing

Core Values

Social Justice & Equity Values
Anti-racist Liberation-oriented Feminist-informed Queer- and trans-affirming Body liberation / fat-positive Disability justice-informed Racial equity-focused Culturally responsive Class-conscious / economic justice Environmental justice / eco-aware Immigrant and refugee-affirming Activist-affirming / advocacy-supportive Anti-oppressive practice Community care-oriented Intersectional awareness Abolitionist mental health lens Decolonial / decolonizing approach Healing justice framework Accessibility-centered
Identity, Community & Belonging Values
LGBTQIA+ affirming Gender-expansive aware BIPOC-affirming Neurodiversity-affirming Fat liberation-oriented Faith-affirming / spiritually inclusive Secular-affirming Interfaith respectful Family-diverse (poly / ENM / chosen family-affirming) Centering marginalized voices Multicultural sensitivity Community resilience-focused Cultural identity exploration Affirming mixed-race / multiracial experiences Affirming intersectional identities
Relational & Healing Philosophy Values
Trauma-informed Strengths-based Client-centered Collaborative Compassion-focused Empowerment-based Nonjudgmental Authentic and transparent Boundaried compassion Humor and humanity Centering safety and trust Relational and attachment-oriented Emotions as information Empowerment through connection Dignity and respect Acceptance and commitment
Mind & Body Spirit & Holistic Healing Values
Somatic / body-based awareness Mindfulness-oriented Holistic / integrative healing Creative expression in therapy Rest as resistance Connection between personal and systemic healing Self-compassion and stillness
Practice Ethics & Professional Integrity Values
Equity over perfection Accountability and integrity Client autonomy Cultural humility over competence Informed consent emphasis Ethical activism Transparency in process Professional collaboration Centering client dignity Ongoing education commitment Non-hierarchical relationship Anti-carceral and anti-pathologizing lens Restorative justice-informed Accessibility as ethical practice Therapist as co-learner

Book a Session

Book Online Now Visit Website ➔

Practice Information

  • Experience: 13 years
  • Availability: Online Sessions Only
  • Languages: English
  • Session Cost: $175 – $250
  • Accepts Insurance: Yes
    Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) Aetna United
  • Populations Served: 18+,Young Adults,BIPOC clients,LGBTQIA+ clients,Couples

Credentials

  • License:
    License verification pending or self-certified

Office & Contact Info