A woman with curly brown hair smiling, standing in front of a textured stone wall.

I bring a deep understanding of how societal systems and culture shape our experiences in families, intimate relationships, schooling and workplaces. I offer psychotherapy and lead trainings on mindfulness and compassion.

As a psychotherapist, I work with adults, teens, couples and groups. Clients often come to see me because they feel stuck. Perhaps there is a core relationship that keeps challenging you; your parenting or professional responsibilities are exhausting you; or childhood experiences or past or current events are affecting you — even if some aspects of life are going well. I bring a warm, compassionate, and smart sensibility to help you make sense of your struggles, reconnect with yourself and your values, and bring compassion, curiosity, vitality, and depth to your life.

As a researcher and educator, I have been studying teaching and learning in and out of schools for 25 years, with a focus on how systems can be more humane and informed by expertise from community-based knowledge and research evidence. I have taught on the faculty at the University of Rochester and the University of Colorado Boulder.

As a mindfulness teacher, I draw on my experience as a long-time student of buddhist psychology and wisdom and compassion practices. I am committed to sharing these practical and transformative approaches with others. I am also a Certified Teacher of the Mindful Self-Compassion program.

I see individual adults of all ages, teens, and couples. My work with individuals focuses with your particular challenges and goals.

For couples wanting to improve relationship dynamics, I help you understand your own experience and patterns of relating, attune to the other, and communicate more effectively.

Education and Training

PhD, Learning and Human Development, University of Wisconsin-Madison

MSW, Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research

LCSW #CW028008 in Pennsylvania

Post-grad trainings: psychodynamic/psychoanalytic approaches, IFS and parts work, mindfulness and compassion-based approaches, Gottman Level 1 & 2 Couple training

Individual & Relationship Therapy

I lead experiential and psychoeducational workshops and courses on mindfulness, compassion, equanimity, and cultivating inner strength in everyday life.

I am a Certified Teacher of the Mindful Self-Compassion program.

Current courses

Mindfulness Training and Offerings

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Winter 2027

These times call for radical kindness, compassion, courage and joy — and the kind of rest and clarity that make these possible. Wisdom and compassion practices were never about self-improvement or transcending the suffering of life. Instead, they help us relate to our inner and outer life with curiosity, steadiness, and commitment in ways that make a difference. And practicing together makes all the difference.

Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion (6 weeks live online)

Fridays 12-1pm, January 22 - February 26, 2027

With Annie Allen, PhD, LCSW and Maria Cimino, LICSW

Location: Online by zoom

Investment: $300

Open to all, registration required

6 CE’s available, please inquire

Fall 2026

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Mindful Self-Compassion

Annie Allen

Tuesdays September 22 - November 10, 6pm—9:00pm

8 Tuesday evenings + half-day mindfulness retreat on Saturday, October 24th, 9-1

Location: in person in Wyndmoor, PA

Investment: $500 (a few adjusted fee spots available)

Open to all, registration required

Registration closes 9/18 or when course is filled

24 CE’s available for mental health professionals