EDUCATION AND PRACTICE
Michael McAllister, MA, MS, LPC, NCC
Psychotherapist
Do our early experiences shape our adult lives? Many would say that they do. I choose to see myself as a work in progress that is not to be judged, but simply is. Accepting oneself for who one is...in this present moment, is they key to emotional balance and a fulfilling life. Still, we can strive for our greatest potential by recognizing negative patterns in our lives and seeking change and healthy balance.
My first career was in video and film production where I worked as a producer, director and camera operator for many years. This gave me insight into the creative process and working with other creative professionals.
I earned my second graduate degree in mental health counseling at Georgia State University where I embarked on a journey of self-exploration and obtained the skills necessary to strip away my own facade of image in order to be more genuine and truly be with my clients in therapy.
The slow awakening of my inner-self to my own consciousness has been the essential element of achieving inner peace, self-acceptance, and tranquility which I have sought for many years. I welcome you to make that first step to your own awakening by contacting me and bravely making that first appointment.
Credentials
Michael D. McAllister LPC LLC is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia (LPC007418), and in the state of Colorado (LPC0018128), and is a National Certified Counselor (#266375 - National Board for Certified Counselors) and has a Bachelor's degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; a Master's degree in Communication with emphasis on Film, Video and Digital Imaging; and a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University. He has extensive experience as a psychotherapist and Licensed Professional Counselor for over 14 years while working at Positive Impact, Inc. in Atlanta and also in private practice, and received intensive training as a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist from The Anxiety and Stress Management Institute and further achieved the status of National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy through the National Board of Clinical Hypnotherapists. He is not a physician and does not provide medical or legal advice.
In April 2022, McAllister contributed to the textbook, Developing Multicultural Counseling Competence: A Systems Approach edited by Hays and Erford which was featured in a section by Gnilka, O'Hara and Chang on Social Justice Counseling: Voices from the Field. He previously served as co-chair for the American Psychological Association's Society of Counseling Psychology, Division 17, Special Task Group for creating a video production about the profession of Counseling Psychology for Barry Chung, PhD. He also produced a video for a NIMH funded study to assess the effects of Crisis Intervention Team training on police officer's attitudinal and behavioral variables for Michael T. Compton, M.D., M.P.H. of The George Washington University School of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. McAllister also previously worked on an awareness project with The Hope Clinic of Emory University School of Medicine Vaccine Center as well as served on the Gay & Bisexual Men's Task Force for HIV Prevention Planning for the Georgia Department of Community Health.
As a Counselor and Certified Hypnotherapist, McAllister is not legally allowed to prescribe medications. However, if we jointly determine that you are facing mental health issues, it may be advisable to consult with a psychiatrist to determine whether medication is warranted.