Phillippa Ennis-Allen, MA, LMFTC

LICENSED marriage and family therapist candidate
phillippa.cfcc@gmail.com

I believe that human beings are meant to be in relationships with each other, and that the quality of our relationships impacts the quality of our family life.  Whether we admit it or not we all yearn to be seen, to be heard—to matter.  One of the things that we frequently overlook is that we are complex beings living in a complex world.  Therefore, although world norms dictate how we should behave in order to be considered whole, not all of us are equipped to function the way the world mandates.  The reasons for this vary: - we were never taught, we were exposed to the “wrong” things, we come from different cultures, or we simply do not have the right tools. This notion of not knowing how to properly operate often cause us to feel anxious, insecure, isolated, and pulled in different directions. Without proper support and guidance these emotions can be confusing and challenging and may well lead to distorted thoughts and or behaviors, culminating in our being less than our authentic selves.   We then take these challenges into our relationships which, left unchecked, cause breakdown.

Is it not interesting how much emphasis we put on physical fitness but overlook our mental health (fitness) because it is not readily visible?  What if it is your time to be better?  To act on the thought that you have been pondering on but have been afraid to execute because of the faulty philosophy you have been living by; that stigma that says you are not normal or mentally well—no one is perfect. I look forward to collaborating with you, to be a catalyst for change in your life as I provide a safe space to listen, encourage, and guide you as you commit to work towards your strength and healing. 

About Me

I hold a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, am a Licensure Candidate, and a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).   I am married and therefore can relate to the joys and challenges that marriages and relationships encounter. As an individual from a country of diverse people, I have a multicultural perspective and am always open to learning about and experiencing different cultures.  This open-mindedness has allowed me to see that we are more alike than dissimilar.  

I am a Christian—A disclosure which I believe if omitted would be a denial of my reality and the authenticity that I hope to guide you towards. My spirituality informs my values but is not judgmental.  In fact, it compliments and complements the cognitive behavioral and other related theoretic perspectives that I employ since much of what we think is demonstrated in our behavior.  I also subscribe to the systems approach which is important when working with families. It is my belief that strong relationships promote mentally healthy families that are better able to function, communicate, and positively contribute to building resilient communities—a domino effect.  I work with couples, individuals, teens and children.