Bradley Allenstein joined the Visions family in 2012 as an MFT Intern. He recently completed his MFT hours under the supervision of the wonderful Heather Colligan. Brad brings incredible passion and enthusiasm to his work with families, adeptly applying a family systems approach to treatment, facilitating the processes of reconnection and healing. He is kind, approachable and earnest in his desire to help others. Brad is able to relate to the clients on a visceral level, sharing his love and excitement about sobriety and recovery, inviting others to embrace the full life that sobriety provides. He fits in perfectly with the Visions family, seamlessly balancing the need for brevity and jocularity. I forgot to mention his remarkable sweet tooth and penchant for hats. Thanks for everything you do, Brad, we are grateful to have you in our midst.
More love from the staff:
“Brad is an amazingly passionate and inspirational person. He loves helping others and using his personal growth experiences as a springboard. He also happens to be most entertaining as well and is able to laugh at himself, which is an important attribute in our line of work. And don’t even get him started on the topic of cupcakes…!” – Heather Colligan
“From day one Bradley jumped in with both feet. He’s a true Vision’s team player, with a good mixture of humor, passion, and therapeutic skills. He’s a great role-model for recovery, and a good listener (yes, you read that right, he can listen too!).” – Katie Mason
“Brad is an abundance of energy and great at verbally wearing kids down when needed.” Bill Hoban
“I really think Visions should pay for genetic testing…Brad has to have lineage to the Keebler Elves…I’m not sure anyone loves sweets more than him. Brad’s passion for the work he does at Visions oozes out of him without any effort. His enthusiasm for recovery is linked to every thought he shares. He is a perfect fit in the Visions family.” – Christina Howard-Micklish
“Bradley joined us last year and seamlessly worked his way into our hearts…and stomachs! (His sweet tooth matches my own) His compassion, dedication to our families and good humor makes him an integral part of our Visions family. Brad can reach clients and share not only his experience, strength and hope, but his professional point of view as well. Our families, and our program are better with Brad on the team!” – Amanda and Chris Shumow
And what would a staff blog be without 10 questions? Read on:
1: Three words to describe yourself, go:
Talkative, verbose, and chatty.
2: If you had to lose one of your 5 senses, which would you give up?
Hearing. See #1
3: If you could spend the day with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?
Katie Mason, because she is constantly reminding me of what I need to work on as a therapist /human being/man.
4: What inspired you to work with teens?
When I was 17 years old, a substance abuse counselor helped me turn my life around. He became my hero and inspiration ever since.
5: Sand or Snow?
Sand.
6: What is your favorite hat style?
Guess.
7: Favorite restaurant in Los Angeles?
My mother’s house. Her cooking can’t be beat.
8: One thing you can’t live without?
The sound of my own voice.
9: What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you come close?
A mime, but I couldn’t stay quiet long enough so I decided to become a therapist.
10: Why do you choose to work at Visions?
To carry the message and help kids realize that sobriety is not a death sentence. Being sober is not the end of the party. It’s just the beginning.
Originally posted on October 3, 2013 @ 9:54 pm
