Hello!

I’M ALLEN.

Email: allen@illuminatedmindtherapy.com
Phone: (510) 823-9069

We all get stuck sometimes. Whether you're battling anxiety related to school or work, trapped in a stagnant job, unsure how to address a deteriorating relationship, or grappling with feelings of depression or isolation, I am here to assist you. I work with teens, adults, and couples and our big goal is to help you get "unstuck." Together, we'll figure out what a happy, meaningful life is for you and ways to overcome the obstacles that are getting in the way.

Everyone is different so we'll try out different techniques and perspectives to connect with your brain, heart, and body. I’m a therapy geek who loves learning evidence-based approaches and personalizing them to each person. These include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and trauma-informed somatic (body-based) methods. We'll find some coping mechanisms for immediate relief and also work through areas for long-term healing.

You may be facing pressures that you don't understand or can't seem to overcome, no matter how hard you try, and I am here to help. :)

“True happiness is found along a middle road. There lies the balance and the harmony - - with reason and emotion, not at war but hand in hand.”
— Aquaman

You might work with Allen if you are navigating…

  • Depression (including self-harm)

  • Anxiety and Phobias

  • Life Transitions

  • LGBTQ+ or other identity topics

  • Career Confusion/Depression

  • Couples/Relationship Problems

  • Family Conflict

  • Parenting Difficulties

  • School Issues

ALLEN’S BACKGROUND

LICENSES & CREDENTIALS

Licensed Clinical Social Worker #111175

EDUCATION

M.A. in Social Work | Cal State University East Bay
J.D. in Law | University of California, Hastings College of Law (now UC Law)
B.S. in Business, minor in Education | UC Berkeley

KEY PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS

Team CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) | Dr. David Burns, Feeling Good Institute
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) | Dr. Andrew Leeds, Sonoma Psychotherapy Training Institute
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy | Dr. Nancy Aikin, Aikin Associates
ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) | Dr. Russ Harris, PsychWire
Life & Career Coaching | Co-Active Training Institute
Parenting | Being a Dad :)

Allen has extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples/families as a mental health therapist. Allen has worked across different settings from mental health agencies to schools and private practice. Allen has also had his battles with mental health as a teen and an adult; navigated identity topics as an Asian guy in the LGBTQ community; and worked through toxic jobs and relationships. Allen uses both his professional training and life experiences to create personalized plans for you. His clients describe him as warm, funny, and thoughtful. Allen can't wait to work with you!