Tammy K. Allen, MA, LPC, CART
Psychotherapist, Author, & Founder of Paraklesis Counseling
My Story
"I've always been fascinated by people... not just what they do, but why they do it. I believe our thoughts, relationships, experiences, and even our brains tell a story. When we begin to understand that story, we can make meaning of it, live with greater intention, and create lasting change. That's why I love this work. I get to help people discover who they are beneath the pain, the fear, and the expectations they've carried for years. Watching the moment when everything starts to click never gets old.
My hope isn't simply that you'll leave therapy feeling better. My hope is that you'll leave understanding yourself better. Because when we understand ourselves better, we gain the freedom to choose differently."
About Tammy
Tammy is a compassionate psychotherapist, author, and the founder of Paraklesis Counseling.
Tammy Allen is the founder and owner of Paraklesis Counseling. She believes the goal of therapy isn't simply symptom relief; it's helping people understand themselves well enough to create lasting change. Whether she's helping someone heal from trauma, navigate anxiety, strengthen a relationship, or move through a major life transition, Tammy's focus remains the same: helping clients make meaning of their experiences so they can move forward with greater understanding, intention, confidence, and peace.
Her approach blends warmth, authenticity, and practical insight. Tammy believes one of the kindest things a therapist can do is speak truth with compassion. She describes her style as "carefrontational," creating a space where clients feel genuinely seen, accepted, and also safe enough to hear hard truths, challenge old patterns, and discover healthier ways of living. She believes growth requires honesty, and yes... she'll call you on your 'bull' if it's keeping you stuck, but only because she cares too much not to. She'll do it with compassion, respect, and a genuine desire to help you see what you may not yet be able to see for yourself. Her clients often describe her as refreshingly direct, deeply caring, and someone with an uncanny ability to recognize patterns that suddenly make life make sense. Around here, clarity isn't criticism; it's an act of caring.
Tammy works with older adolescents, adults, and couples, with particular interests in anxiety, trauma, ADHD, relationship concerns, grief, self-esteem, life transitions, women's mental health, perimenopause/menopause, and first responder wellness. She utilizes an integrative holistic approach tailored to each client, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, attachment theory, Gottman Method principles, Imago Relationship Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Logotherapy. A lifelong student of human behavior, Tammy loves helping clients understand the connection between the brain, emotions, relationships, and behavior, because understanding replaces shame with curiosity, and curiosity opens the door to healing and meaningful change.
Born into a Navy family, Tammy had the opportunity to live all over the world while growing up, but Texas has always been home. Today she lives in Houston with her husband and their ever-growing collection of rescue animals. Together, they share two grown children and two beautiful grandchildren who keep life joyful and interesting. Outside the therapy office, Tammy enjoys cooking, writing, Bible study, learning just about anything related to psychology or neuroscience, spending time with family and friends, and helping people discover who they are beneath life's hardships so they can live with greater purpose, intention, authenticity, and hope.
Approach & Specialties
Credentials
Education
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling,
LeTourneau University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration,
LeTourneau University
Licenses/Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor #90428
Certified Anger Resolution Therapist
Specialized/Advanced Training
Certified Anger Resolution Therapist
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Brainspotting
Gottman Seven Principles Leader
Gottman Seven Principles Leader
(in process)
Gottman Model Level 1
Gottman Model Level 1
(in process)
Gen Z & Emerging Adults
Mental Health Specialist
(in process)
Professional Affiliations
American Psychological Association (APA)
American Counseling Association (ACA)
Christian Association for Psychological Studies
Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
Experience & Expertise
Anxiety
Adjustment Disorders
Anger Management
Bariatric Counseling
Couples Counseling
Depression
First Responder Issues
Gender Identity Issues
Generational Issues
Grief/Loss
LGBTQIA+ Issues
Life Stage Transitions
Gender Identity
Self-Esteem
Spirituality
Stress Management
Stillbirth/Infant Loss
Teen Issues
Trauma/PTSD
Women’s Issues
The Thought Giggies
"It is easier to build strong children than to fix broken men." -Frederick Douglass
The concept of the ‘Thought Giggies’ children's book series was inspired by the work of world-renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Aaron T. Beck, and the above quote by writer, Frederick Douglass.
Dr. Beck is widely considered to be the father of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which is based on the concept that our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors. What we think, we become. Our thoughts stem from our core beliefs, and sometimes those beliefs are not entirely accurate. CBT seeks to help people uncover those faulty beliefs and replace them with healthier, more positive thoughts. There are numerous books that teach these concepts to adults, but none for children, until now.
The 'creatures' in these books are an homage to Tammy's beloved daddy, Courtland 'Gigi' Allen, a man who was the epitome of positivity. He managed to maintain a sunny disposition and a smile on his face, regardless of what life threw at him. Tammy describes him as one of the most joyful people she has ever known.
Tammy's daddy passed away in the spring of 1998, but she believes he has been watching over and guiding this project from day one. Being his daughter makes her tremendously proud, and she is certain he couldn't be happier to see his namesake come to life in this way.
Ready to take the next step?
I would be honored to walk this journey with you. Reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Get in Touch
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