---
title: Home
date: 2013-12-03T13:59:00Z
modified: 2026-05-07T12:24:15Z
permalink: "https://drsarahallen.com/"
type: page
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 2
author: Dr. Sarah Allen
---

# Empower Your Life

WITH SOLUTION FOCUSED COUNSELING!

[CONTACT DR.SARAH ALLEN](https://drsarahallen.com/contact/)







![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/minimalist_background_with_a_blue_sofa_and__8822cb65-98b4-4511-8e21-1b04b9053a97_3@2x-1024x842.jpg)



                               ## Would you like to move your life forward and be free of:

   Anxiety / Worry 

 

 Postpartum 

 

 Depression 

 

 

 

 



### I Can Help

Whether you have been struggling for a long time or something has recently changed, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I have extensive experience working with people who are anxious, exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck.

I see clients in person in my Northbrook, IL office and remotely throughout Illinois, Florida, and the UK.

Please don’t struggle alone. I am an experienced therapist and I can help.

<a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button">CONTACT DR.SARAH ALLEN</a>









## Areas of Specialty 

[SEE ALL SERVICES](https://drsarahallen.com/counseling-services/)





![Woman feeling overwhelmed and isolated, considering counseling for emotional support](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/vecteezy_beautiful-sad-woman-depressed-ai-generative-above-her_33034889@2x-2.jpg)

### ANXIETY

CBT-based treatment for anxiety, chronic worry, panic disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, and high-functioning anxiety.



  

### PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM

Specialist support for all perinatal mood disorders including pregnancy and postpartum anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD and the transition to motherhood.



  

### EMOTIONAL EATING & WEIGHT

CBT-based support for emotional eating, binge eating, food anxiety, and building a healthier relationship with food and your body.



  

### DEPRESSION

CBT-based treatment for depression, low mood, and the exhaustion and hopelessness that make it hard to get through the day.



  

### WOMEN’S COUNSELING

Specialist therapy for anxiety, depression, PMDD, perimenopause, menopause and the emotional challenges that affect women at every stage of life.



  

### RELATIONSHIPS

Explore effective strategies to communicate better with your partner or other important people in your life.



  

### PARENTING

CBT-based support for parenting stress, overwhelm, and building a calmer, more connected relationship with your child.



  

![Woman experiencing anxiety and depression seeking therapy ](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/vecteezy_asian-women-with-stress-she-kept-herself-alone-in-her_12581582@2x.jpg)



### Dr. Sarah Allen

![Dr. Sarah Allen, experienced therapist specializing in anxiety and women's mental health, Northbrook IL and virtual in IL, FL and UK](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Asset-1@2x-809x1024.jpg)

## Dr. Allen has over 25 years of experience helping people.

I have spent my entire career as a therapist specializing in anxiety, women’s mental health, pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders and parenting struggles. My depth of experience means I understand how these struggles show up in my clients’ daily lives: the worry that won’t switch off, the fear that this is how it is always going to be, and the nagging feeling that everyone else is coping better than you are.

You are not alone in feeling this way, and you don’t have to stay stuck here.

My primary approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ([CBT](https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral)), the most thoroughly researched treatment for anxiety and mood disorders, but I tailor it with additional evidence-based approaches so the tools we develop together are the right fit for you.

I am the Founding Director of the Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois ([PPDil](http://www.ppdil.org)), a statewide nonprofit supporting pregnant and postpartum women and their families, and I have been interviewed as a featured expert by [media](https://drsarahallen.com/media/) outlets inc. Oprah Magazine, the BBC, Glamour, Woman’s World, and Redbook, among others.

If you are ready to get to the root of what is driving how you feel, I can help.

[CONTACT SARAH](https://drsarahallen.com/contact/)







 

  [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Simple-Steps-To-Overcome-Depression-2024-Update_Page_01-791x1024.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/counseling-services/depression/free-depression-book/#ebook) 

 

 [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Simple-Steps-To-Overcome-Emotional-Eating-Updated-2024-_Page_01-791x1024.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/counseling-services/weight-eating-issues/#ebook) 

 

 [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Guide-to-Pregnancy-and-Postpartum-2024-Updated_Page_01-791x1024.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/counseling-services/pregnancy-postpartum-guide/#ebook) 

 

 [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/How-To-Stop-Arguing-With-Your-Child-Booklet-2024_Page_01-791x1024.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/counseling-services/parenting-coaching/#ebook) 

 

 [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Simple-Steps-To-Improve-Communication-Updated-2024_Page_01-791x1024.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/counseling-services/relationship-coaching/#ebook) 

 

 [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Simple-Steps-To-Improve-Your-Mood-Updated-2024-Version_Page_01-791x1024.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/counseling-services/womens-counseling/#ebook) 

 

 [ ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Simple-Steps-To-Overcome-Anxiety-and-Worrying-2024-Edition_Page_01-791x1024.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/counseling-services/anxiety-counseling/free-anxiety-book/#ebook) 

 

 

 

 





## My latest blogs

  Select a categoryAnxietyDepressionEmotional EatingPregnancy and PostpartumParentingRelationship CoachingWomen’s Issues  

 

   [ ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191414) 

###  [ Why Quiet Overthinking Feels Like Anxiety Even Without Panic Attacks ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191414) 

[VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191414)

 

  By Dr. Sarah Allen  

 

 

 

 [ ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191554) 

###  [ Choosing Anxiety Therapy in Chicago: Neighborhood Guide (Insurance & More) ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191554) 

[VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191554)

 

  By Dr. Sarah Allen  

 

 

 

 [ ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191465) 

###  [ Perimenopause Cravings: Hormones, Anxiety, Emotional Eating, and What Helps ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191465) 

[VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191465)

 

  By Dr. Sarah Allen  

 

 

 

 [ ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191421) 

###  [ How Childhood Chaos Shapes Adult Anxiety and Stress ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191421) 

[VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191421)

 

  By Dr. Sarah Allen  

 

 

 

 [ ![Woman sitting at desk feeling anxious and overwhelmed by perfectionism](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/perfectionism-and-anxiety-cycle-1-1024x536.jpeg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/break-the-perfectionism-anxiety-loop/) 

###  [ Why Perfectionism Keeps Anxiety Going and What to Do Instead ](https://drsarahallen.com/break-the-perfectionism-anxiety-loop/) 

[VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/break-the-perfectionism-anxiety-loop/)

 

  By Dr. Sarah Allen  

 

 

 

 [ ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191462) 

###  [ Managing Morning Anxiety Before Work with CBT Tools ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191462) 

[VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191462)

 

  By Dr. Sarah Allen  

 

 

 

 [ ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191560) 

###  [ Postpartum Anxiety vs. Depression: How to Tell the Difference ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191560) 

[VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191560)

 

  By Dr. Sarah Allen  

 

 

 

 [ ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191432) 

###  [ Emotional Eating During Anxiety Spikes: 10-Minute Plan to Ride Out Urges ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191432) 

[VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191432)

 

  By Dr. Sarah Allen  

 

 

 

 [ ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191430) 

###  [ Quiet Social Anxiety in Professional Women: Signs You Might Be Missing ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191430) 

[VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191430)

 

  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) ](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/?p=191426) 

###  [ Is Anxiety Quietly Undermining Your Job Performance? ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191426) 

[VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191426)

 

  By Dr. Sarah Allen  

 

 

 

 [ ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191467) 

###  [ Postpartum Anxiety Therapy When Breastfeeding Feels Overwhelming ](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191467) 

[VIEW MORE](https://drsarahallen.com/?p=191467)

 

  By Dr. Sarah Allen  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





 

    ### 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

 

 

   ### 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

 

 

 

 

                                  



[CONTACT DR.SARAH ALLEN](https://drsarahallen.com/contact/)

[SEE ALL TESTIMONIALS](https://drsarahallen.com/contact/)





## As featured in

   [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in Oprah Magazine](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/O_The_Oprah_Magazine.svg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) 

 

 ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CNN_Logo.png) 

 

 [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured on the BBC](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bbc-logo-red-e1711144655268.jpg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) 

 

 [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in Glamour Magazine](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Glamour-Logo.svg.png) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) 

 

 ![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/apa-monitot.png) 

 

 [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in Huff Post](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/layer1@2x.png) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) 

 

 [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in Reader's Digest](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Readers-Digest-Logo.svg) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) 

 

 [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in Redbook](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/redbook-logo.png) ](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) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) 

 

 [ ![Dr. Sarah Allen featured in Woman's World](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Womans-world-logo_29.webp) ](https://drsarahallen.com/media) 

 

 

 

 

[Contact Dr. Sarah Allen](https://drsarahallen.com/contact/)



![](https://drsarahallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/drsarah-809x1024.jpg)

If you are thinking about getting support and you’d like to talk to an experienced therapist about the things that are troubling you, I am happy to help.