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Our Team
Our clinical team is a diverse group of multidisciplinary professionals. We merge personal background and experience, education, creativity, and passion into a professional vision: commitment to client-centered care
in both theory and practice. We are committed to empowering clients to identify internal strengths while assisting in creating a healthy path toward emotional and social wellbeing.
Counseling and Education Services THAT VALUE
DIGNITY
RESPECT
ACCEPTANCE
OUR VALUES
We have the collective goal of prioritizing the needs of our clients and believe that each individual has a purpose, meaning, and objective value in society. Allison & Associates values the uniqueness of individuals and treats each client with dignity, respect, and genuine concern for their overall well-being.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Creating a safe space where individuals and families can get professional help and guidance with learning how to identify and apply personal strengths, skills, and abilities to grow into the individual they desire to be through the utilization of counseling and access to education services.
Dr. Kayla Allison, LMSW, ACSW, CSAT
Dr. Allison is the clinical director and owner of Allison & Associates Counseling and Education Services. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker with extensive experience in mental health, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS treatment and provides LGBTQ friendly services.
She holds the prestigious Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) credential, the most recognized and respected credential in the social work field. She is also a trainer for the Nurturing Parenting Program and holds a Certificate in Sexual Abuse Trauma (CSAT) from the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Dr. Allison received specialized training in forensic social work focusing on forensic court systems, reporting, and testifying. She has served as an expert witness in the family court system and is experienced in completing court-ordered substance abuse, anger management, and mental health assessments in both criminal and family courts.
Dr. Allison earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from Louisiana State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and an Associates of Arts in Psychology from El Camino College in Redondo Beach, California.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Allison is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
“I believe that all people are worthy and capable of change. My passion is working to help people find their inner strength and create a safe space that fosters personal growth!” – Dr. Allison, LMSW, ACSW, CSAT.
Gwendolyn Smith, LCSW
Meet Gwendolyn Smith, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Louisiana and Florida with 13 years of experience in marriage and family counseling and 10 years of experience in substance abuse and mental health. Gwendolyn is a compassionate listener who specializes in working with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, and other mental health diagnoses.
She uses evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Psychoeducation, tailored to each client’s specific needs.
Gwendolyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Troy University and a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from the University of West Florida. She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
“Let me take this time to encourage and applaud you on your decision to seek counseling, for that step takes courage. The reward of a happier, more fulfilling life at the end of this journey far outweighs the struggles that have been impeding your mental well-being. I look forward to reassuring you that people do heal and helping you to create your success story.” – Gwendolyn Smith, LCSW
Francis Bellow III, LPC, NBCC
Meet Francis Bellow III, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years in the mental health field. He has held a professional license for 5 years and is licensed in both Louisiana and Oregon. Francis is skilled in providing teletherapy services, which he has extensive experience in. Francis’ experience in working with a diverse client population is extensive, including individuals diagnosed with severe mental illnesses (SMI).
He is experienced in working with clients with a wide range of concerns, such as depression, anxiety, anger management and self-esteem issues. In addition, he is skilled in nonprofit organizations, crisis intervention, case management, and public speaking on mental health issues. His primary therapeutic modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Francis received his education from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology, Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He is a member of both the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA) and National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). He has earned the Telemental Health Training Certificate (THTC), which is a comprehensive training for behavioral health clinicians.
“Taking this step is commendable and I would like to encourage you to continue on your journey of wellness. Therapy is life altering and eye opening, it’s sometimes scary and difficult, but at the end of the process a better version of yourself is revealed. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this journey with you.
I look forward to working with you!” – Francis Bellow III, LPC, NBCC
Tawana Smith, LCSW-BACS
Meet Tawana Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Louisiana, where she also serves as a Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS). She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from McNeese State University and a master’s degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Currently, Tawana is in her second year of pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Tx.
Her extensive background includes various roles in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, including administration, program development, and direct practice. Tawana has worked with diverse groups, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, incarcerated populations, the homeless, and those diagnosed with substance use disorders. She specializes in working with children and families and is dedicated to providing end-of-life services.
Tawana is also employed by the Veteran’s Healthcare Administration as a Senior Social Worker, where she provides counseling to veterans with serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, Tawana serves as field supervisor to social work interns at Allison & Associates. In her spare time, Tawana enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, shopping, and simply enjoying the present moments that life affords.
Kennedy Esprit, BS
Meet Kennedy Esprit our Counseling Intern who is currently pursuing a master’s of science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at McNeese State University. She possesses a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Throughout her academic journey, Kennedy has cultivated essential competencies in cultural awareness, sensitivity, and responsiveness, which enables her to effectively support clients from diverse backgrounds.
Kennedy’s pursuit of a career in mental health counseling is driven by her ending curiosity about human behavior and a commitment to understanding the complexities of the human experience. Her professional background includes roles as a Registered Behavior Technician, an after-school counselor, and a caregiver, all of which demonstrate her capacity to build trusting relationships, a vital attribute in the counseling field.
Known for her introspective and observant disposition, Kennedy excels in establishing a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel acknowledged, heard, and understood. In addition to her academic and professional endeavors, she advocates for holistic mental health care and is dedicated to nurturing meaningful connections within her community. Kennedy is eager to further enhance her clinical skills at Allison & Associates to assist clients in reaching their mental health and wellness goals.
“Healing begins when you feel heard. My mission is to create a space where every voice is respected, every story matters, and every step toward growth is celebrated.” – Kennedy Esprit, BS
Our Statement of Diversity
Allison & Associates Counseling and Education Services is committed to providing culturally aware and culturally sensitive behavior health services. Given the diversity of our community, clients come to Allison & Associates with varied life experiences specific to their race and/or ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, social class, religious affiliation, and/or disability status. We offer services that are inclusive and give voice to these experiences, by providing a safe, non-judgemental space to be heard, supported, and empowered.
We celebrate the rich diversity that exists in Southwest Louisiana, which is an integral part of the culture at Allison & Associates. We like to encourage awareness, acceptance, respect, tolerance, and understanding of our differences and similarities.
By fostering these processes, we believe that individuals will broaden their scope of awareness, become more empathetic toward others with different life experiences, challenge longstanding stereotypes and biases, and serve as models for civility and social change.
Our clinical team has extensive experience working with individuals of varying social identities and backgrounds. To enhance our professional knowledge and skills, we routinely engage in continuing education trainings in cultural diversity. By taking advantage of these learning opportunities, our clinical team remains mindful and conscious of similarities and differences between diverse groups, and better able to respond to the cultural needs and strengths of those we serve.