Alaina Halbur LMFT

My path to becoming a therapist was a combination of education mixed with my own desire to connect with others. I previously interned as a Music Therapist at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City MO, and while I was there, I was able to connect with many families who were experiencing the emotional roller coaster of the "good days and bad days" as their children were in the hospital, the financial stress of medical bills and not being able to work, or feeling like they had to choose between work or time with their child. I quickly realized there was a greater need for support with families not only for the parents and the child but for everyone in the relationship system. This led me to pursuing my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy.

I enjoy using a collaborative approach with clients. I do my best to foster opportunities for self-led discovery moments in effort to increase self-motivated change and direct feedback when needed.

Others have described me as patient, observant/organized, and kind. I would say I am also relaxed and easy going. These personality traits influence my approach in ways like promoting space and time for exploration of needs and feelings during the session. Additionally, I am often asking my clients to share more about their particular experiences so that I can better understand their specific situation rather than making any general assumptions.

• Indiana, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 35002272A

My passion for marriage and family therapy began during my Music Therapy internship at Children's Mercy hospital in Kansas City Missouri. I enjoyed meeting new people, hearing about their experiences in life, and providing support through both the high moments and challenges that they encountered. I then decided to attend Indiana Wesleyan University to complete my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program allowed me to explore and gain experience working with individuals, couples, and families facing a wide array of mental health concerns. I completed internships with the VA Medical Center in downtown Indianapolis, Origins Family Counseling in Greenfield IN, and Peace Counseling Group in Carmel IN. After graduating, I continued my residency with Peace Counseling Group seeing individuals, couples, and families until receiving my independent license (LMFT). While I have always enjoyed working with a variety of mental health concerns, my specialty areas now include; family of origin issues, pre-marital/marital counseling, relational issues/relational discernment, attachment, optimizing personal growth/stress management, life transitions/adjustment (divorce, parenting, phase of life issues). Most of my clients will express a certain level of anxiety, depression, or trauma that has contributed to the current relationship patterns. Relationships and connections that we build with others are a significant part of our every day life, and I've loved learning and helping others learn ways to engage in healthier relationships with themselves and others.