--- title: "Women's Counseling" date: 2024-03-29T21:06:51Z modified: 2026-06-12T10:08:16Z permalink: "https://drsarahallen.com/counseling-services/womens-counseling/" type: page status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 187956 featured_image: "https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/vecteezy_conceptual-image-of-a-human-head-with-colorful-brain-and_22755492-scaled-e1742346114162.jpg" featured_image_alt: Dr. Sarah Allen Depression Specialist author: Dr. Sarah Allen --- # Women’sCounseling ## Specialized Therapy For Women. ### Welcome to a space where your voice is heard and your struggles understood. ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/vecteezy_young-hopeless-woman-suffering-from-depression-and-anexiety_20658667.jpg) ### Key Takeaways - Dr. Sarah Allen has over 25 years of clinical experience addressing unique emotional and psychological challenges faced by women. - She provides therapy across the female lifespan, including pregnancy loss, infertility, pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders, perimenopause, menopause, and PMDD. - She also specializes in maternal burnout, the emotional load of motherhood, and the stress of parenting at any stage. - She helps women navigate the emotional side of health conditions that affect them differently than men, including migraines, IBS, chronic pain, ADHD, and breast cancer. - Her approach is tailored to each woman’s needs, focusing on getting to the root of what is driving how you feel and building practical tools for lasting change. - Clients can see her in person in Northbrook, IL or virtually across Illinois, Florida, and the UK. ### Because some things are easier to carry when you don’t have to carry them alone. Welcome to my page about counseling that is specifically for women. I am glad you found me! My practice focuses on the emotional and psychological challenges that are unique to women. These challenges may relate to where you are in your reproductive lifespan: PMDD, pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders, pregnancy loss, infertility, perimenopause and menopause. Or you may be navigating health conditions that affect women differently than men: migraines, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), chronic pain, ADHD or breast cancer. The emotional burden of hormonal and physical conditions can also have an impact on women’s stress levels, self-confidence as well as affect their eating and weight patterns. They often also affect how you feel about your relationships. Maybe it is tension with a partner who doesn’t fully understand what you’re going through, the stress of difficult family dynamics or friendships that have quietly changed and you feel alone. Many of the women I work with are physically and emotionally exhausted from managing everyone else’s needs while quietly setting their own needs aside. Women often tell themselves they should be able to handle everything on their own but you don’t have to, that’s what I’m here for. Whatever has brought you here, this is a non-judgemental space where you don’t have to manage how you come across or hold anything back. I am here to help and I have the experience to know how to. ## I provide effective specialized counseling for women’s issues such as: - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) - Pregnancy anxiety &/ or depression - Postpartum anxiety &/ or depression - Traumatic labor experience - Miscarriage/ infant loss - Infertility - Perimenopause - Menopause - Breast cancer - Chronic health conditions eg. migraine, IBS, chronic pain - ADHD in women - Emotional burnout - Self esteem, body image and emotional eating For over 25 years I have helped women look after themselves while developing practical tools to feel back in control. We all need a little support sometimes. You don’t need to go through this alone. [![Dr. Sarah Allen](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/drsarahallen-809x1024.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/contact/)[Contact Sarah](https://drsarahallen.com/contact/) ## Why Work With Me? - I have 30 years of clinical experience, seeing clients in person in Northbrook, IL and virtually across Illinois, Florida, and the UK - I specialize in women’s mental health across the lifespan, from pregnancy through midlife and beyond - I have been interviewed as a featured expert in many magazines, news paper and TV and online media outlets - Founding Director of the Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois (PPD IL) - Pioneer researcher in birth trauma and PTSD following childbirth - I get to the root of what is driving how you are feeling and together we will develop the right tools and skills to help you make real, lasting change. Here is a little more about each of the areas I specialize in: ## Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Pregnancy and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders affect between [15 and 20 percent of new mothers](https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/7/2418), and that’s only the women who report it. Many more are quietly struggling, convinced that what they’re feeling is just part of new motherhood, or if they tell someone how they are struggling it means they’re failing. You are not alone in feeling this way and you are not failing! Pregnancy and postpartum depression, anxiety, and related conditions are very treatable. I have specialized in perinatal mental health for over 25 years and I am also the founding director of the Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois. I understand these conditions in depth and I know how to help you find your way back to yourself and to your baby. I have many articles about pregnancy and postpartum so visit my [Pregnancy & Postpartum Mood Disorders page](https://drsarahallen.com/counseling-services/pregnancy-postpartum/) to read them. ## Birth Trauma and PTSD Following Childbirth Childbirth is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding experiences a woman goes through and sometimes it can be traumatic. An emergency C-section, a baby in the NICU, a labor that felt out of control or frightening: these experiences can leave a lasting mark in ways that look very similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. Flashbacks, hypervigilance, difficulty bonding, and an inability to stop replaying what happened are all recognized responses to a traumatic birth. I was among the first researchers to study PTSD following childbirth, and I bring both clinical expertise and genuine understanding to this work. You are not overreacting. What happened to you mattered, and you deserve to heal from it. To read more visit [When Your Childbirth Experience Wasn’t What You Hoped For](https://drsarahallen.com/traumatic_childbirth/) and [Coping Strategies for Parents with a Baby in the NICU](https://drsarahallen.com/coping-strategies-for-parents-with-a-baby-in-the-nicu/). ## Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, and Rainbow Pregnancy Support The path to motherhood isn’t always straightforward, and when it isn’t, the emotional toll can be profound and isolating. Whether you’re navigating infertility, processing the loss of a pregnancy, or adjusting to being pregnant again after a loss, these feelings are complex and deserve proper care: not minimizing, and not rushing. I have many blog posts on these topics including: [6 Tips For Coping After A Miscarriage](https://drsarahallen.com/miscarriage/), [Pregnancy After Previous Loss](https://drsarahallen.com/pregnancy-after-miscarriage/), and [Navigating Fertility Treatments](https://drsarahallen.com/therapy-during-fertility-treatment-ivf/). ## Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) [PMDD](http://iapmd.org) is more than difficult periods or typical PMS. It is a recognized mood disorder linked to hormonal fluctuations that can cause severe depression, anxiety, irritability, and emotional overwhelm in the days before your period. The symptoms are significant enough to disrupt your relationships, your work, and your daily life. Many women with PMDD spend years being dismissed or misdiagnosed before anyone takes what they are experiencing seriously. If your mood shifts feel cyclical, and you find yourself dreading certain weeks of the month, this is something we can work on together. To read more visit [Exploring PMDD vs PMS: Understanding Symptoms and the Benefits of Therapy](https://drsarahallen.com/understanding-pmdd-vs-pms-symptoms-and-therapy-benefits/). ## Perimenopause and Menopause Counseling [Perimenopause and menopause](https://menopause.org/) involve significant hormonal changes that can directly affect mood, sleep, anxiety levels, and cognitive function. These are neurological and physiological events but many women find that they experience emotional symptoms too, including depression, anxiety, irritability, and a loss of sense of self. Therapy is an effective and evidence-supported tool for managing these symptoms alongside any medical treatment you’re receiving. Therapy can help you make sense of what is happening, develop practical tools for managing stress, mood and anxiety, and find your way back to feeling like yourself again. To read more visit [Navigating the Change: 5 Ways Counseling for Menopause Works](https://drsarahallen.com/menopause-counseling/) ## Breast Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Life After A breast cancer diagnosis changes everything: how you see your body, your future, and yourself. Fear of recurrence, changes to body image, and the strange disorientation of trying to return to normal life after treatment all deserve proper support. I provide counseling at every stage, from a new diagnosis through survivorship, and I approach this area with both clinical expertise and personal care. To read more visit [How Breast Cancer Can Affect Your Mental Health & How Counseling Can Help!](https://drsarahallen.com/how-breast-cancer-can-affect-your-mental-health-and-how-counseling-can-help/) ## The Emotional Load of Motherhood and Maternal Burnout There is a particular kind of exhaustion that comes with being a mother, one that goes beyond a full schedule. It’s the mental load of tracking everyone’s needs, the guilt of feeling like you’re still not doing enough, and the performance of holding it together when you’re running on empty. Maternal burnout is real, and therapy is a practical investment in your capacity to be present for the life you’re living. I have many articles on this topic, this is one of my most read posts [Reclaiming Your Sense of Identity When You’re A Mom](https://drsarahallen.com/reclaiming-identity-when-a-mom/). ## ADHD When You Are a Mother ADHD in women is underdiagnosed and significantly harder to manage when you’re also responsible for a household and children. Many women are diagnosed later in life, often after a child receives their own diagnosis, and spend years wondering why everything feels so much harder for them than it seems to for everyone else. I work with mothers with ADHD to develop practical strategies and be less frustrated and less critical of themselves. To read more visit [Motherhood With ADHD: Tips to Cope and Feel Less Overwhelmed.](https://drsarahallen.com/adhd-motherhood-support-and-coping-strategies/) ## When Physical Health Affects Your Mental Health Women are disproportionately affected by chronic health conditions, including migraines, fibromyalgia, IBS and autoimmune diseases, that are frequently dismissed or undertreated. Living with chronic pain takes a significant psychological toll on your identity, your relationships, and your quality of life. I work with women to address the emotional impact of physical illness alongside their medical care. Here are some articles on this topic: [Chronic Pain](https://drsarahallen.com/managing-chronic-pain-with-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/), [Migraines](https://drsarahallen.com/how-therapy-can-help-with-migraine-relief/), [Irritable Bowel Syndrome](https://drsarahallen.com/talk-therapy-for-ibs-relief/), ## Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Your Relationship With Food The relationship many women have with their bodies is complicated and shaped by years of cultural messaging, personal history, and the particular cruelty of learning to see yourself through other people’s eyes. Poor body image and low self-esteem don’t only cause distress on their own; they’re often intertwined with anxiety, depression, and disordered eating in ways that reinforce each other. I work with women to understand where these patterns came from, challenge the self-critical beliefs that sustain them, and build a more grounded and compassionate relationship with themselves. I have many articles on these topics including: [Emotional Eating](https://drsarahallen.com/overcoming-emotional-eating-therapy/), [Body Image](https://drsarahallen.com/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bbd-causes-and-cbt/) and [Self-Esteem](https://drsarahallen.com/self-esteem-and-embracing-who-you-really-are/). ## Relationships, Family Dynamics, and the Stress They Carry Women often come to therapy talking about how they feel anxious, exhausted, or angry and we quickly discover that a relationship is at the center of it. A partner who doesn’t listen, a dynamic with a parent or sibling, children who are struggling, friendships that have become one-sided. Therapy gives you a space to understand the patterns that keep showing up in your relationships, communicate more effectively, and feel less alone in navigating them. ## What Does Women’s Counseling Look Like With Dr. Allen? Sessions typically begin with understanding your specific circumstances: what’s happening now, what has happened before, and how you’re hoping to feel differently. Many of the women I work with find that their relationships whether with their partner, their children, their parents, or their friends, are both a source of support and a significant source of stress. We often explore these dynamics together as part of understanding the full picture of what you’re experiencing. My approach is always guided by what you’re bringing to the room. I draw from a range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-based therapy, and adapt as your needs evolve. Most women notice a meaningful shift within the first several sessions, though the pace is always determined by you. Sessions are available in person at my [Northbrook, IL office](https://drsarahallen.com/office-directions-1363-shermer-northbrook/), or [virtually](https://drsarahallen.com/telephone-online-sessions/) throughout Illinois, Florida, and the UK. ## **If you are experiencing any of these issues, I can help!** [Contact Sarah](https://drsarahallen.com/contact/) ## Here Are Some Concerns You May Have About Getting Help ### **I already feel like I don’t have enough hours in the day. I just don’t see how I could fit therapy in.** When you are already running on empty, adding one more thing feels impossible. But therapy isn’t one more thing to manage, it’s what helps you manage everything else. Many of the women I work with tell me that the time they spend in session each week is the only time that is entirely theirs. You don’t need to stay stuck in how you are feeling right now. Taking this time for yourself often has a positive ripple effect on everyone around you too. ### **I’m not sure what to expect. I’ve never had therapy before.** There is nothing daunting about meeting with me. At your own pace, you can tell me what has been going on and together we will get to the source of what you are dealing with and work out the best way forward. We will talk a little about the past so we understand how you got to where you are now, but our focus will be on the present and on helping you develop practical tools to feel better. I want you to leave each session feeling that it was time well spent. ### **I’d like to get help but I’m not sure I can afford therapy without insurance coverage.** I am a self-pay practice, which means I do not bill insurance directly. Many clients find that their insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits that reimburse a portion of therapy fees — it is worth a quick call to your insurance company to find out what you are entitled to. On my[ Fees & FAQs page](https://drsarahallen.com/fees-faqs/) you will find a list of specific questions to ask them. It is also worth remembering that effective therapy has a beginning and an end and is not a commitment that goes on forever. Because I have a lot of experience I am able to get to the root of what is driving your difficulties efficiently. Many of my clients find that focused, effective therapy is more cost-effective, both financially and emotionally, than years of managing issues that never fully improve. I am happy to talk with you about your situation before you make any commitment, and most of my new clients see me weekly, though some come every other week to make therapy more affordable. I am here to help you find a way to feel better. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Women’s Counseling **Q: **What is women’s counseling and how is it different from general therapy?******A**: Women’s counseling is therapy provided by a specialist who understands the psychological, hormonal, physical and social experiences that are specific to women. While general therapy addresses a wide range of concerns, a women’s specialist brings focused expertise in areas such as pregnancy and postpartum mental health, perimenopause and menopause, pregnancy loss, infertility, maternal burnout, and the particular pressures that come with the roles women hold. Dr. Allen has 25 years of experience working with women and all of these issues. **Q: **Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist for women’s issues?******A:** No. Many of the women I work with don’t have a formal diagnosis and aren’t sure whether what they’re experiencing “qualifies” as a mental health issue. If something is making your life harder; your mood, your relationships, a life transition, a loss, that’s enough of a reason to reach out. You don’t need to be in crisis to deserve support. **Q: What if I’m dealing with multiple issues at once?****A:** You’re not alone, many women come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by several challenges at the same time. These experiences often overlap and influence each other. We’ll work together to prioritize what feels most important to you and tailor our work to what matters most to you. **Q: How long will I need to be in therapy?****A:** Therapy looks different for everyone. Some women come in for short-term support around a specific challenge, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns and create lasting change. Early on, we often focus on helping you manage what feels most urgent. Over time, we can begin to explore underlying patterns, beliefs, and the factors contributing to how you’re feeling. You’re always in control of how long you continue, and you’re welcome to return for support at any point in the future. ![Dr. Sarah Allen](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-1@2x-809x1024.jpg) ## I specialize in empowering women to live the life they want. If you would like to work with me, please phone me at [847 791-7722]() or on the form below. __If you would like to read more about me and my areas of specialty, please visit [Dr. Sarah Allen Bio](https://drsarahallen.com/about-dr-sarah/). Dr. Allen’s professional license only allows her to work with clients who live in IL & FL & the UK and unfortunately does not allow her to give personalized advice via email to people who are not her clients.__ Dr. Allen sees clients in person in her [Northbrook, IL office](https://drsarahallen.com/office-directions-1363-shermer-northbrook/) or [remotely via video or phone. ](https://drsarahallen.com/telephone-online-sessions/) [Remote Counseling](https://drsarahallen.com/telephone-online-sessions/) [In Person Appointments In Northbrook, IL](https://drsarahallen.com/contact/) Δ ![](/wp-content/themes/utopian/assets/images/wall.png) ## What Can I Read That Helps Me While I Am Waiting For My First Appointment With Sarah? I have written five other booklets that you might find interesting: Simple Steps To Overcome Depression, Simple Steps To Overcome Emotional Eating, Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Issues, Simple Steps To Overcome Anxiety, and How To Stop Arguing With Your Child. See each specific webpage to download one or many. ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Improve-mood-3D1.png) - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/womans-hormones-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/how-hormones-affect-womens-mood/) ### [ How Hormones Affect Women’s Mood ](https://drsarahallen.com/how-hormones-affect-womens-mood/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/how-hormones-affect-womens-mood/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/sense-of-identity-text-dr-a-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/reclaiming-identity-when-a-mom/) ### [ Reclaiming Your Sense of Identity When You’re A Mom ](https://drsarahallen.com/reclaiming-identity-when-a-mom/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/reclaiming-identity-when-a-mom/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![Therapy for Emotional Eating](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/emotional-eating-therapy-text-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/overcoming-emotional-eating-therapy/) ### [ Overcoming Emotional Eating: How Therapy Can Help ](https://drsarahallen.com/overcoming-emotional-eating-therapy/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/overcoming-emotional-eating-therapy/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![The Connection Between Perfectionism and Anxiety](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/perfectionism-and-anxiety-text-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/perfectionism-and-anxiety-connection/) ### [ The Connection Between Perfectionism & Anxiety ](https://drsarahallen.com/perfectionism-and-anxiety-connection/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/perfectionism-and-anxiety-connection/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![6 Tips For Coping After A Miscarriage](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/new-6-tips-miscarriage-2400-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/miscarriage/) ### [ 6 Tips For Coping After A Miscarriage ](https://drsarahallen.com/miscarriage/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/miscarriage/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![How Overthinking Causes Anxiety](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Facebook-Post-1200-1024x541.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/overthinking/) ### [ 5 Signs You Are Overthinking & How CBT Can Help! ](https://drsarahallen.com/overthinking/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/overthinking/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![ADHD when you are a mom makes parenting harder.](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/adhd-motherhood-blue-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/adhd-motherhood-support-and-coping-strategies/) ### [ Motherhood With ADHD: Tips to Cope and Feel Less Overwhelmed ](https://drsarahallen.com/adhd-motherhood-support-and-coping-strategies/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/adhd-motherhood-support-and-coping-strategies/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3-ways-body-image-1024x628.jpg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/body-image/) ### [ 3 Proven Ways to Boost Your Body Image ](https://drsarahallen.com/body-image/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/body-image/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![Understanding Overstimulation in Moms: Causes and Coping Tips](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/overstimulation-moms-2-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/understanding-overstimulation-in-moms-causes-and-coping-tips/) ### [ Understanding Overstimulation in Moms: Causes and Coping Tips ](https://drsarahallen.com/understanding-overstimulation-in-moms-causes-and-coping-tips/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/understanding-overstimulation-in-moms-causes-and-coping-tips/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![Brain Changes in Pregnancy and Postpartum Explained](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/mommy-brain-with-text-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/brain-changes-in-pregnancy-explained/) ### [ Brain Changes in Pregnancy and Postpartum Explained ](https://drsarahallen.com/brain-changes-in-pregnancy-explained/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/brain-changes-in-pregnancy-explained/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![Understanding Self Talk](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/self-talk-text-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/self-talk-and-its-effects-mental-health/) ### [ Understanding Self-Talk and Its Effects on Our Mental Health ](https://drsarahallen.com/self-talk-and-its-effects-mental-health/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/self-talk-and-its-effects-mental-health/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![Being Authentic: Boost Self-Esteem and Reduce Anxiety by Listening to Your Core Beliefs](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/core-beliefs-self-esteem-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/self-esteem-and-embracing-who-you-really-are/) ### [ Being Authentic: Boost Self-Esteem and Reduce Anxiety by Listening to Your Core Beliefs ](https://drsarahallen.com/self-esteem-and-embracing-who-you-really-are/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/self-esteem-and-embracing-who-you-really-are/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sleep-text-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/sleep/) ### [ Sleep – Why It’s Important & How To Get It! ](https://drsarahallen.com/sleep/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/sleep/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![Benefits of life coaching and how it differs from therapy](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/coaching-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/discover-benefits-life-coaching/) ### [ Discover the Benefits of Life Coaching ](https://drsarahallen.com/discover-benefits-life-coaching/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/discover-benefits-life-coaching/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/high-funct-anx-with-text-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/understanding-high-functioning-anxiety/) ### [ Understanding High-Functioning Anxiety — a Deep Dive ](https://drsarahallen.com/understanding-high-functioning-anxiety/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/understanding-high-functioning-anxiety/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/high-funct-depression-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/5-signs-you-have-high-functioning-depression/) ### [ 5 Signs You Have High-Functioning Depression ](https://drsarahallen.com/5-signs-you-have-high-functioning-depression/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/5-signs-you-have-high-functioning-depression/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/menopasue-blog-post-1200x628-px-e1705414315268-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/menopause-counseling/) ### [ Navigating the Change: 5 Ways Counseling for Menopause Works ](https://drsarahallen.com/menopause-counseling/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/menopause-counseling/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/migraine-with-text-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/how-therapy-can-help-with-migraine-relief/) ### [ How Therapy Can Help With Migraine Relief ](https://drsarahallen.com/how-therapy-can-help-with-migraine-relief/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/how-therapy-can-help-with-migraine-relief/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/balancing-work-and-family-text-2400-x-1300.jpg-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/balancing-work-and-family-strategies-for-successfully-managing-parenthood-and-your-career/) ### [ Balancing Work and Family: Strategies for Successfully Managing Parenthood and Your Career ](https://drsarahallen.com/balancing-work-and-family-strategies-for-successfully-managing-parenthood-and-your-career/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/balancing-work-and-family-strategies-for-successfully-managing-parenthood-and-your-career/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![woman using a rage room to let go of her anger](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/oprah-mag-rage-interview-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/oprah-magazine-interview-about-stress-management/) ### [ Oprah Magazine Interview About Stress Management ](https://drsarahallen.com/oprah-magazine-interview-about-stress-management/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/oprah-magazine-interview-about-stress-management/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/7-tips-parenting-text-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/essential-parenting-tips-for-busy-parents-juggling-work-and-family-life/) ### [ Essential Parenting Tips for Busy Parents – Juggling Work and Family Life ](https://drsarahallen.com/essential-parenting-tips-for-busy-parents-juggling-work-and-family-life/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/essential-parenting-tips-for-busy-parents-juggling-work-and-family-life/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fertility-therapy-with-text-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/therapy-during-fertility-treatment-ivf/) ### [ Navigating Fertility Treatments: How Therapy Can Help You Cope ](https://drsarahallen.com/therapy-during-fertility-treatment-ivf/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/therapy-during-fertility-treatment-ivf/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/perfectionist-with-text-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/overcoming-perfectionism-signs-strategies/) ### [ Overcoming Perfectionism: 10 Warning Signs and Strategies for Change ](https://drsarahallen.com/overcoming-perfectionism-signs-strategies/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/overcoming-perfectionism-signs-strategies/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/breast-cancer-with-text-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/how-breast-cancer-can-affect-your-mental-health-and-how-counseling-can-help/) ### [ How Breast Cancer Can Affect Your Mental Health & How Counseling Can Help! ](https://drsarahallen.com/how-breast-cancer-can-affect-your-mental-health-and-how-counseling-can-help/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/how-breast-cancer-can-affect-your-mental-health-and-how-counseling-can-help/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![Health Anxiety treatment](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/treating-health-anx-clearer-with-text.jpg-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/treating-health-anxiety-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt-a-comprehensive-guide/) ### [ Treating Health Anxiety Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): A Comprehensive Guide ](https://drsarahallen.com/treating-health-anxiety-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt-a-comprehensive-guide/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/treating-health-anxiety-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt-a-comprehensive-guide/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![ADHD in Women](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ADHD-women-from-vista-photo-1-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/key-signs-of-adult-adhd-in-women-what-you-need-to-know/) ### [ Key Signs of Adult ADHD in Women: What You Need to Know ](https://drsarahallen.com/key-signs-of-adult-adhd-in-women-what-you-need-to-know/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/key-signs-of-adult-adhd-in-women-what-you-need-to-know/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![Therapy for imposter syndrome - Dr Sarah Allen](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/imposter-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/imposter-syndrome-therapy-confidence/) ### [ Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How Therapy Builds Confidence and Self-Belief ](https://drsarahallen.com/imposter-syndrome-therapy-confidence/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/imposter-syndrome-therapy-confidence/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![Overcoming Guilt: Why Self-Care Matters and 10 Ways to Start](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/guilt-self-care-1-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/overcoming-guilt-self-care/) ### [ Overcoming Guilt: Why Self-Care Matters and 10 Ways to Start ](https://drsarahallen.com/overcoming-guilt-self-care/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/overcoming-guilt-self-care/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/5-tips-return-work-maternity-leave-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-overcome-overwhelm-with-these-5-tips/) ### [ Returning to Work after Maternity Leave: Overcome Overwhelm with These 5 Tips ](https://drsarahallen.com/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-overcome-overwhelm-with-these-5-tips/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/returning-to-work-after-maternity-leave-overcome-overwhelm-with-these-5-tips/) By Dr. Sarah Allen - [ ![IBS Relief](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IBS-relief-2-1024x536.jpeg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/talk-therapy-for-ibs-relief/) ### [ Talk Therapy for IBS Relief ](https://drsarahallen.com/talk-therapy-for-ibs-relief/) [VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/talk-therapy-for-ibs-relief/) By Dr. Sarah Allen ## As featured in [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in Oprah Magazine](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/O_The_Oprah_Magazine.svg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured on the BBC](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bbc-logo-red-e1711144655268.jpg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in Glamour Magazine](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Glamour-Logo.svg.png?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in Huff Post](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/layer1@2x.png?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in Reader's Digest](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Readers-Digest-Logo.svg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in Redbook](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/redbook-logo.png?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in the British Psychological Society (BPS) Magazine The Psychologist](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/psychologist-brand-title.svg?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/the-psychologist/) [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in Woman's World](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Womans-world-logo_29.webp?wsr) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) ### Empowered to Combat Anxiety. Dr. Allen has helped me through several difficult times. She has taught me tools to use to combat anxiety which is something I have dealt with my whole life. She has empowered me and given me strength that I didn’t know I had. I am so thankful! #### Beth R. ### Warm & Knowledgeable. I highly recommend Dr. Allen! She is warm and so easy to talk to. She has lots of knowledge about women’s health. #### Kathryn Gardner, LCSW ### Excellent Therapist! Dr. Allen is a colleague of mine and she is an excellent therapist. She is warm, caring, and exceptional at her work. I refer clients to Dr. Allen and I highly recommend her if you are looking for a top notch therapist. #### Jodi Petchenik, LCSW ### A Mother’s Journey to Family Harmony When I started seeing you for therapy I felt so overwhelmed and trapped in daily battles with my three children. Thank you so much for all your help. It has really helped me gain a better perspective. I am now a role model for my children and help them worry less about things by teaching them the tools you taught me. #### Margaret R. ### I Learned To Cope Beyond the Scale When I first came to see Dr. Allen, I was sick of struggling with my weight. With her help, I realized that a lot of my eating habits were a way of dealing with the bad relationship I was in. With her support, I made some big changes in my life, increased my self-confidence and found better ways to deal with my stressful job. Now I don’t need to eat my way to feeling better, I have much better ways to cope with life’s difficulties. #### Ann C. ### Overcoming Emotional Eating I have always been on a diet and my mood went up and down as my weight did. My internist thought I might be depressed and referred me to Sarah. I was willing to give anything a try but really thought I just needed more self discipline to stick to my diet. By talking things through with her I quickly realized that not being able to stick to a diet wasn’t really about food, although I certainly craved sweets. I learned to notice how different emotions and situations triggered my overeating and Sarah showed me other ways that don’t involve food to deal with how I felt. I have a much better relationship with food now and don’t view it as the enemy. Sarah showed genuine concern and was very encouraging. I would recommend her services to anyone struggling with eating issues. #### Anonymous ### A Parent’s Journey with ADHD I first came to see Dr. Allen I was completely exhausted by battling with my son who has ADHD and angry outbursts. I have learned how to stay calm and that helps him stay calm too and we have a much better relationship. We still have our difficult days but I am in a better position to deal with them and at the end the day I am left feeling that I am done my best, not guilty that I have failed him. The techniques she taught me for helping him deal with his ADHD have been very useful for all of us. #### Cathy S. ### Sarah Transformed Our Family’s Sleep and Sanity My baby didn’t sleep. She wouldn’t sleep more than a couple of hours at night and no more than 30 minutes during the day. I was completely overwhelmed and my husband and I were at each other’s throats. I was supposed to be going back to work but was barely functioning. Sarah helped us to learn how to get our baby sleeping and then she supported me in my transition back to work. She also helped my husband and I navigate how to share childcare and running the house fairly. She is a very knowledgeable therapist and has really helped us. #### Pam. L. ### From Overwhelmed to Empowered When I started seeing Dr. Allen for therapy I felt so overwhelmed and trapped in daily battles with my three children. Thank you so much for all your help. It has really helped me gain a better perspective. I now feel like I am a role model for my children and help them worry less about things by teaching them the tools you taught me. #### Margaret R. ### Thankful for Dr. Allen’s Help & Support. Thank you for all of your support. I am finally feeling so much better. I never thought I would get to such a good place in my life. Your voice and words of encouragement were extremely helpful. #### Sharon T. ### Gratitude and Growth Thank you so much for all the support and counsel you have given me. You have made such a positive impact on my life and I very much appreciate it. I had some very dark days when I first came in to see you but I can now enjoy my life with my husband and two kids and I am emotionally present when I am with them. #### Katy W. ### Highly Recommended. I had heard great things about Dr. Allen from a friend so I decided to try her. I have had therapy in the past as I have experienced anxiety and depression for many years but this is the most productive therapy I have ever had. I have really learned a lot and felt very supported. I feel my mood has improved greatly and my depression has significantly decreased. I would definitely recommend her if you are looking for a therapist. #### Andrew S. ### Dr. Allen Helped Me to Feel More Empowered Dr. Allen has really helped me find my own voice. When I began therapy I would swing between being passive and doing whatever other people wanted me to do to being angry and frustrated. I have been on antidepressants for quite a few years but it wasn’t really working. Through therapy I have learned to listen to my own needs and to speak up. I used to worry that people wouldn’t like me if I didn’t agree with them but when Dr. Allen gave me the support I needed I challenged my fears. I spend a lot less time feeling angry and depressed now and I have really widened my social network. This is how I have always wanted to be but didn’t know how to get there. Dr. Allen has a very reassuring manner and makes you challenge yourself but by using small steps so you feel ready to do it. I have really come out of my shell and would recommend anyone who is feeling depressed to come and talk with her. #### Rebecca F. ### Worrier No More. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a worrier and when my doctor suggested therapy instead of an antidepressant I didn’t think it could really help. I was totally wrong. I don’t spend so much time worrying about the “what ifs” now and concentrate on working on things that are in my control to change in the “here and now” rather than in the past or future. I spend much less time in my head worrying about everything and now have useful strategies to deal with many situations at home and at work. Life is much less stressful and I find myself teaching people I manage at work the strategies Dr. Allen taught me. #### Marcia B. ### Worry & Panic Attacks Transformed by Dr. Allen Last year I was so crippled by anxiety and panic attacks and I didn’t believe that anything or anyone would be able to help me. Since seeing you my life has changed forever and I am finally turning into the person that I always wanted to be…and the person I never thought I could be. You will be the person I call if I start to feel that way again. #### Wendy T. ### Trusted & Knowledgeable Therapist. When I need to refer any of my patients for talk therapy I immediately think of Dr. Allen as she is wonderful at helping people with severe and complex issues really get to the root of their problems. She is very caring and knowledgeable and I have found her extensive experience really helps people to change their lives for the better. #### Dr. Teresa Poprawski ### Dr. Allen is an expert in treating perinatal mood disorders. I refer as many patients as I can to Dr. Allen. She is an expert in treating perinatal mood disorders, and a well-trained and experienced therapist who is committed to working with her clients to develop a treatment plan designed for each individual. She exhibits genuine warmth, kindness and compassion for each of her clients. Dr. Allen has been a colleague of mine for more than 20 years, and I have great confidence when I refer patients to her. #### Leslie Lowell Stoutenburg ### I become empowered and a happier person. I began seeing Dr. Allen when my first child was around a year old. I had experienced a very traumatic birth, after a difficult pregnancy where I was on bed rest for a good portion of the time. The first year of my son’s life was spent worrying constantly. I also experienced flashbacks to the birth, which was an emergency C-section under general anesthesia. My son was in the NICU for several days following his birth, and I was not given very much information as to why. I remember thinking that he would die, or that something awful was going to happen. I experienced a great deal of anxiety that first year, and I thought that it was due to being a new mom. I wasn’t sleeping, I wasn’t eating as normal, and I remember being worried about leaving the house or taking my baby with me anywhere. I worried constantly about illness, germs, etc. The first day that I saw Dr. Allen, she gave me some questionnaires to fill out before we started talking. Then we sat down and talked about my experiences with my son’s birth and the early days of his life, and the year or so since then. I remember to this day the relief that I felt when she looked at me and said that I had PPD and PTSD, which was a result of the trauma I experienced during and immediately after the birth of my son. She explained how my brain had reacted to the stress of these events, and related it to why I was feeling the way that I felt. It made so much sense. Then, she described ways that I could get over the trauma, work through the feelings, and recover from PTSD and PPD. I felt so empowered, and so happy that the way I felt had a name, and that it was treatable. It also made me feel so validated in the ways that I had felt and reacted following my son’s birth. I wasn’t going crazy. My reaction was normal and natural. And with the help of Dr. Allen, and the type of therapy that she uses, I knew I could recover. It is over five years since that first visit with Dr. Allen, and I still use the tools that she taught me today to deal with stress. I credit her with helping me to become a more empowered, happier person. #### Elizabeth ### Overcoming PPD with Dr. Sarah’s Support When I had my first baby I had what I now know was postpartum depression but I didn’t get any help. It did go away after about 18mths but it was a miserable way to begin motherhood. When I was pregnant with my second child I started to become depressed again and this time told my OB/GYN how I was feeling and she referred me to Sarah. By starting to deal with how I felt and change the way I was handling the stresses in my life, I was in a much better place when my baby was born. The second time round my PPD was much less severe and didn’t last as long. Sarah was also really helpful in teaching me ways to make the transition of becoming a big sister easier for my oldest one too. My husband came with me for some sessions and that really helped our relationship and we started working on parenting issues together. Sarah’s counsel and support really helped our family transition to the good place we are all in today. #### Sara.D ### Overcoming PPD with Dr. Sarah’s Support When I had my first baby I had what I now know was postpartum depression but I didn’t get any help. It did go away after about 18mths but it was a miserable way to begin motherhood.  When I was pregnant with my second child I started to become depressed again and this time told my OB/GYN how I was feeling and she referred me to Sarah. By starting to deal with how I felt and change the way I was handling the stresses in my life, I was in a much better place when my baby was born. The second time round my PPD was much less severe and didn’t last as long. Sarah was also really helpful in teaching me ways to make the transition of becoming a big sister easier for my oldest one too.   My husband came with me for some sessions and that really helped our relationship and we started working on parenting issues together.  Sarah’s counsel and support really helped our family transition to the good place we are all in today. #### Sarah C. [Book An Appointment](https://drsarahallen.com/contact/) ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/drsarah-809x1024.jpg) If you are thinking about getting counseling and you’d like to talk to someone about the things that are troubling you, I am happy to help.