Allyse Host, MS, LPC

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

My goal as a helping professional is to provide time and space for you to learn and grow. This process unfolds as I help you listen to yourself: by helping you to increase awareness while developing actions and habits that you can carry into daily life. I will help you find your own answers to your questions, as I offer you support and tools to help you along the way.

Your Counseling Experience

I utilize person-centered therapy as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. This means that rather than focusing time and energy on “feeling better,” we will spend time exploring what it means to practice acceptance, commit to living your values, and offer yourself endless self-compassion.  I believe that by changing the way we relate to both internal and external experiences, we have more freedom to live the life we desire, and then in turn often feel better. 

Those who work with me will get to participate in:

•  Developing treatment goals: Together, we will come up with a direction and focus for how you want to spend your time; and we will regularly review and revise these goals throughout your journey. 

•  Talking: We will talk through your history when relevant, using a present and future orientation to help you get where you want to go. I will help you to identify your life values, provide education when necessary, and offer encouragement, reflection, and lots of listening.

•  Active learning: Whether we go for a walk, practice skills, work with my canine partner Zuki, or do other hands-on activities, you will experience deeper growth as we combine talking with doing. 

Education and Interests

My path to becoming a counselor began at Aquinas College, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in 2010 and continued to Loyola University in Maryland, where I earned my Master of Science in 2012. I have been able to pursue my calling of utilizing Equine Assisted Counseling in Maryland, New Mexico, and Michigan and work to honor the lessons I have learned from my equine partners in every session. I currently am thankful to have my dog, Zuki, as a counseling partner during sessions at CCWM.

In my free time, I enjoy being physically active, especially participating in weightlifting, martial arts, and yoga. I delight in cooking, especially baking, and finding ways to increase nutrition both physically and emotionally from food.  Animals and nature are dear to my heart, so I continue to learn about training techniques for humans to best interact with our animal companions and find any excuse to be outside. Most importantly, I strive to spend quality time with those I love, my family and friends, as often as possible.  

I am thrilled to work with Counseling Center of West Michigan, where I can help you to reach your wellness goals.