Client Feedback
“Thanks for loosening the chains that bind”
“We appreciate what you did for us and hope that you are as content as we are”
“Thank you for the path and the opportunities to learn to see more clearly, to love more fully, and to choose to act with kindness and gentleness”
“Steve has been an incredible asset to our high school. For years he has run our “group sessions” for teens who needed special help in their lives. I personally know of several students whose lives where literally saved by these sessions.”
“Through the hardest time in my life, Steve was my iron rod. Last year I was in a tragic accident where I was in a jeep rollover and was seconds away from death. That night one of my best friends died, and I was rushed to the hospital with a lacerated liver and broken ribs, and was placed in intensive care. The depression that I was in made me close to suicide. My life has now changed greatly due to the fact that I got some help through these tragedies.”
“For the past 12 years Steve has been an important person in the lives of many of our students. He has offered hope, encouragement, and stability to students desperately reaching for reasons to continue living at home, stop drugs and drinking, manage their fury, find a way out of the court system, and yes, to some who were not sure that they wanted to continue living on this planet. Over the years I have seen “miracles” you might say as students have over a period of sessions, changed their behaviors.”
“Steve’s contributions to our rather tight knit community are measured by how lives change 5 – 10 years down the road. We’ll probably never know how many young people have discarded suicide as an option, or developed stronger relationships with their family and friends, but that’s exactly what you would expect from Steve’s services. There are success stories here, albeit deep and personal ones. I can speak from personal experience that his time and efforts have repaired my familial relationships.”
“I have the opportunity to deal with students who are having problems in many different avenues of their lives. One of my greatest instruments for assisting these particular kids is the group therapy that Steve facilitates. His passion for what he does comes out in his counseling and students see how much he cares, feel his emotion, and understand his words. As an end result, lives are changed and in reality, they are saved.”
“So here I am! I couldn’t imagine my life without parenting class. Nor would I want to imagine my children’s life without me in this class. Before taking the class I did think I was a good parent, I WAS WRONG!, I used punishment, rewards and praise, instead of encouragement and discipline. I also believed in competition, and would never have dreamed of teaching cooperation in the home. I never would have asked my children how I was doing as a parent and certainly would not have liked the answer. Now I ask my kids and they are not afraid to tell me. I LOVE THE RELATIONSHIP I have not only with my children, but with my husband since I started parenting classes. We would have been divorced if it wasn’t for this class. This class has been wonderful for us!”
“Ever since my mom and dad started parenting classes they’ve learned tons of skills to deal with us and I think our family would be rubble. I probably would be a runaway, my brothers would be on drugs and my dad would be charged with child abuse, and mom would have left us and never come back. We are doing great”
“Mr. Allred’s experience and expertise in helping people move from hopeless desperation, emotional devastation and mental depression in their lives to becoming responsible, caring and contributing people in society and life is most needed and appreciated.”
“I struggled my senior year in high school. School wasn’t hard, but the social aspects were unbearable. I saw dropping out of school as one way to escape the pressure and emotional strain. I started attending group therapy and continued throughout my senior year. I learned to confront my problems and deal with my anger. I learned that other students cared about me and wanted to see me succeed. I formed a bond of friendship through shared trust and respect. More importantly I learned that I had a voice worth hearing. I stood up for myself and asked for help when I needed it. I am currently a doctoral student at _____ University and I am healthy and happy. Sessions with Steve’s guidance and perspective truly helped me to see what I could become.”
“The wealth of information that Steve has provided has helped me become not only a better father to my children, but also a better partner to my spouse. I can also say without fear of contradiction that I have become a better citizen for having subscribed to Steve’s philosophy and guidelines.”
“Because of the techniques that Steve has taught me, I have learned to heal and re-fuel myself so I can be a better parent, a better partner and a more productive member of society. I was feeling despair and even considering suicide, and through my work with Steve I got the encouragement I needed to get me through.”
“Several years ago my daughter was on drugs and we were desperate for help. We referred to Mr. Allred. I learned things that changed my life and with Mr. Allred’s guidance we saved our family from much grief. My husband and I were on the verge of a divorce, but with the tremendous guidance we received from Mr. Allred our family stayed together.”
“I come from a background of incest, rape, drug addiction, a home of chaos. I have become centered, emotionally strong and with the skills I have learned and applying the tools I have created a home of safety and peace. My efforts have rippled out through my daughters, now we can communicate, accept differences and work through problems.
“I am a single teenage mother and I have never been anywhere where I have been offered more help and encouragement. It is my opinion that teaching people the best way to encourage their children is the only way to ensure a good family relationship. It has worked amazing wonders in my relationships with my family.”
“Mr. Allred has equipped me with the tools and knowledge for me to really make a difference in our lives. I can’t stress enough, how much I have learned and how much it has helped me deal with my children and my husband.”
“I came to parenting class for some guidance dealing with what my children were going through, with our divorce and wanting to be a more effective father. But what I found was a lifeline. I found a safe place where I could talk openly, where I have learned so much about myself and grown more than I could have imagined.”
“I have learned to personally respect my kids and not shame them, to learn to listen, to truly believe in myself and our children. The impact in our home has been tremendous, more patience, love and tons more listening.”
“Mr. Allred’s expertise, experience and dedication provide a vital resource to parents and children in our community. As a parent, teacher and former foster parent, I feel it is important and wise to provide services to people who are searching for ways to become more effective and more appropriate in their family relationships.”
“I don’t think people realize how many lives this man has saved, how many families he has helped out, how many lives have been touched by this man.”
“Steve never sugar coats anything, he told me the truth and helped me realize problems, he opened my eyes. I tried to commit suicide before, but this was the worst case, I drove myself off a cliff and almost killed myself, that’s when I started coming to group and realized I’m not alone.”
“Steve has been with us through thick and thin, I have been through so much with my family, especially with my step dad. Two summers ago I tried to take my own life, but I have been learning how to cope and deal with things now.”
“Ok so here is the scoop! My parents are getting divorced and I honestly didn’t think that I could go on, I was considering suicide very much, I wanted everything and everybody to go away. I thought if I killed myself then it would show them that my life was bad enough to kill myself over, then they would see the problem through my eyes. Steve showed me that life is good and that my problems could be solved, but not by killing myself.”
“My work with Steve taught me discipline and structure in my life”
“Thank you for helping me be myself and becoming stronger and helping me step into my greatness.”
“Before I knew what “aloha” was, you were teaching it to me and us. Thank you so much for guiding us and me down the path I need to make my life richer and more meaningful”
“Your work with my daughter and I helped me to better understand both myself and her as well as the interaction between us. I think my biggest fear was that she didn’t like me. But with your help, I was able to see that when we struggle with each other, it is important that we move towards one another rather than away. That alone has changed our relationship A LOT.“
“your ability to reach so quickly inside of each of us has become a great blessing in our lives. We appreciate your tough love approach, you wouldn’t let us get away with any garbage, you were tough! Thanks a lot”
“thanks for teaching me everything that you have taught me, I really respect me now”
“I have been highly successful in reaching the goals that I’ve made for myself. I believe that this is due directly to the things I’ve learned from you.”
“Our recent session with you was a fabulous 12th anniversary gift we gave ourselves! I realized that we regularly take our car in for maintenance, we update all of our electronic devices frequently, we see the dentist semi-annually and have physicals annually, so why not pay as much (or more) attention to the care and enhancement of our marriage??? It seemed like a great time for a “marital tune-up?” I couldn’t believe how long I had struggled with trying to find a way to connect with my husband, and gone back and forth with passive-aggressive patterns (letting go of the hope of ever connecting, then feeling resentment and frustration towards him for not connecting, etc), and in just a few hours, you were able to help us see the real issues and gave us practical and simple approaches to bring the two of us together! I know that you are the best in the biz, and that’s why we drove 7 hours to see you! A healthy marriage is a priority that is worth the investment and work it takes to make it fulfilling. I recommend that all couples consider this as part of their anniversary gifts to one another!”
“Like most people, I have had troubles in my life: death of family members, loss, grief, and all the emotions that come with destabilizing changes.”
“Like most people, I have had troubles in my life: death of family members, loss, grief, and all the emotions that come with destabilizing changes.
I thought I could fix my own problems with enough time, and the right books. Just a few days before Christmas my beloved twenty five year old son shot and killed himself. I was completely unprepared for the devastation. I cannot put into words my horrific shock and sorrow. I just couldn’t see how I could cope with it. I had to ask for help
I was fortunate to be able to begin therapy within days. With a combination of private sessions and a group class, my cognitive restructuring is underway. The process has been rough at times, but I have undergone dramatic changes in just a couple of months. Cognitive restructuring therapy is transforming my misery into something I can grasp and have the ability to change. I know it will not only help me through this difficult time, but also lead me to become a better person overall.”
“Like most people, I have had troubles in my life: death of family members, loss, grief, and all the emotions that come with destabilizing changes.
I thought I could fix my own problems with enough time, and the right books. Just a few days before Christmas my beloved twenty five year old son shot and killed himself. I was completely unprepared for the devastation. I cannot put into words my horrific shock and sorrow. I just couldn’t see how I could cope with it. I had to ask for help
I was fortunate to be able to begin therapy within days. With a combination of private sessions and a group class, my cognitive restructuring is underway. The process has been rough at times, but I have undergone dramatic changes in just a couple of months. Cognitive restructuring therapy is transforming my misery into something I can grasp and have the ability to change. I know it will not only help me through this difficult time, but also lead me to become a better person overall.”
“I first made an appointment with Steve Allred to get help with a mild eating disorder. Steve was highly recommended to me, and upon our first visit I knew I was in the the right place for help. Steve was straightforward from the beginning, ensuring me that this was a 2-way process, we both had the option to discontinue at any time, and we were both going to be putting in work to make resolutions and progress. In each session, Steve took the time to really listen, ask strategic questions, and help me find solutions. I realized that I needed to make a lot of cognitive changes, yet I had hope that I could be taught the tools to do this.
My downward dark spiral of disordered eating actually had a light at the end of the tunnel. Not only did Steve help me overcome my eating disorder, he helped me see other areas in my life more clearly and more objectively. I realized that I have a lot more control over my life, thoughts, outcomes, than I thought I did. I also realized areas in my life that I needed to let go in. There were things, events, or people I was trying to control that I flat out have no reason or right to have that control over. This was and is liberating, but not easy, to let go. Each session I came away feeling renewed, even though some sessions were difficult. I felt a sense of moving forward and hope for the future. Therapy does involve work, and working through these issues for me is one of the best things I’ve chosen to do.
Steve is upfront, honest, candid, and has the best interest of his clients in mind. Steve has an incredible gift to see things clearly and offer solutions to better one’s outlook, life, and behavior & cognitive changes. I thank God that Steve has chosen to share this gift by working and encouraging others through therapy. Thanks Steve!”
“My son loved life. He loved animals, plants, and the beauty of Nature. Like a beautiful flower, he is gone too soon. I am adapting to not having him here. I am changing. My broken heart is slowly healing. I am somehow able to feel great compassion for others. I am walking barefoot on the jagged path towards peace and happiness. That’s where I want to be.”
“Steve is the beaming light that has filled my dark room with light, tools and knowledge. In the past 6 years my work/therapy with Steve has been a chance for me to learn to look within myself for strength, confidence, guidance, truth, and to be true to me and who I am!”
“In my journey of figuring out who I am and what direction I would like my life to go in, there have been many bumps in the road, emotions to sort thru, and pulling my pant legs up and doing some mind boggling, soul searching. Overtime I have learned to locate the seed of peace inside myself in order to have a reliable source of Serenity. How did I get to this spot??? By stepping out of my Comfort Zone and embracing those fears, one at a time with the tools Steve has provided to me”
“Putting off doing what scares us and brings up fear only creates more obstacles in our lives. I have had the experience of tackling some dreaded tasks only to come out the other side feeling invigorated, filled with a sense of confidence and strength. The funny thing is, most of the time when I do them, I come out on the other side changed and often wondering what I was so worried about or why it took me so long”
“Change starts within our selves. Steve has allowed me to see that and embrace that. One of my favorite quotes is from Deepak Chopra:
“The inward Journey is about finding your own Fullness, something that No One else can take away!!” -Deepak Chopra
This quote rings true to me in my journey in finding myself with the help and encouragement of Steve. He is a crutch that has helped me to stand tall and walk on, even when I am without two legs.”
“In doing the work and being open to understanding I have had a better relationship with my Self!! The most important relationship in this life is with our selves!! Even though we are the only ones who are present at every moment of our lives, this relationship can be the most difficult one to cultivate. In taking the time and doing the Homework that Steve provides and encourages me to do (whether it be writing papers, reading books, carrying a rock or sitting on a rock for 4 hours) this is when I have willingly opened my mind to forge new paths and encounter uncharted territory. Therefore, allowing me to let go of the expectations and just BE!”
“Understanding the effect divorce has on children: From both our sessions and the recommended reading, I have gained a much better understanding of not only the trauma and turmoil divorce creates for children, but have gained a better understanding of how to deal with situations that have arisen with them. I am much more empathetic, and through recognition and awareness have helped them understand that I love them unconditionally regardless of my relationship with their mother.”
“I am a 35yrs old Male. Therapy with Steve Allred has helped me in several ways, but my initial reason for wanting to see Steve was sorting out the feelings and experiences of me and my 3 boys who are all going through the new and difficult experience of divorce. I approached meeting with Steve with a sincere intent on gaining a better understanding and awareness of what my boys and I are going through and how to best interpret and deal with the present so we can move forward to a brighter future. This is my first divorce and I hope never to repeat so I am intently learning, increasing my awareness and forming new habits.”
Divorce: I gained a better understanding of myself and how the divorce relates to my soon-to-be ex-wife. I gained a better understanding of boundaries and what is not only appropriate, but for what will create a better living environment for my children and I. I am also learning who I want to become and what I would like to see in my next marital relationship by increasing my awareness in a best effort not to carry past baggage, but bring my best version of me into the relationship.
Relationships in General: In the process of creating the habit of stepping back from any situation and not only empathizing with the other person, but speaking/acting deliberately so my actions are a better reflection of my long term desire for that relationship. This relates to everyone from my sons, ex-wife, parents and friends.
Testing: In taking the behavioral test administered by Steve he was able to not only quantify attributes both desirable (by me) and undesirable (by me) and creating a pattern interrupt so I can speak and act in ways that are reflective of my long-term desires. This has helped make our sessions and reading more productive because I am more aware of where I want to focus improvement so I can make the best of not only divorce, but of all my relationships. In short, my understanding of my thoughts and actions can be refined and how I can interact more effectively with others.
Reading: Steve’s book recommendations have been incredibly productive because I’ve approached my therapy with a sincere intent to improve. My reading has helped me to gain a better understanding of how I can better help my sons cope with divorce. It has also helped me to understand boundaries with my children so I can put my relationship with them above all else, including the way I feel about their mother.
Possibly most importantly, my sessions with Steve and reading have increased my awareness of where my own happiness comes from. I focus specifically on awareness of my daily decision to be happy and content while still striving for personal, professional and spiritual excellence. I am working to create the habit of awareness to increase both my happiness and adaptability to situations so my ultimate desires aren’t compromised in the moment. I have also gained a better understanding of the people around me so I can distance myself from their undesirable actions and attitudes without judgment while embracing their positive actions and attributes. This has made a world of difference in my life and I don’t want these habits to end.
“When I first met Steve I was lost and had forgotten what my wants and needs in life were. Steve was able to show me that I had all the answers and I am capable and strong. With the help of Steve I believe in myself and can see that change is possible and I now look at every day as an opportunity to learn and better myself. “What would Steve’s advice be right now?”, is a phrase that went through my head in every difficult situation when I first started therapy and now I have grown enough to trust my own choices. I know that I will be challenged in my life and feel blessed to know that I will have Steve and group to push me to find my answers. I used to say, “Is this all life is?”, “I am afraid…”, “I can’t do it.”, “I am a horrible mom.” .
Now after years of hard work and never giving up I love who I’m becoming. I care for myself and others, I trust my intuition and what I feel and most of all I know I am powerful and will accomplish my dreams and passions. Steve’s belief in me to write about my success shows how powerful therapy has been in my life and I never would have believed that anyone would care what I had to say in the past. Now I know that I’m important and I believe that it only takes one person or choice to change ourselves and the world. I will never forget who I am again! Thank you Steve for all you have done for me.”
“I am a 40 yr old married man. When I came in I was clinically depressed. I had allowed myself to take on so much pain and torment. I was truly wearing that “hair shirt” I felt hopeless and down. I was so stressed out, thoughts of suicide were common. At that time it was only my family that kept me alive. Even then I questioned if they would be better off without me around. 18yrs of marriage to a very loving, patient and forgiving spouse and 2 beautiful kids. In a very short time I started being patient and loving with myself again. I started having hope again for the future. So much that I learned was a rememberance of what is possible, hope! Believing in myself again. Acknowledging that God loves me and wants to continue blessing me, despite what religious affiliation I may or may not have. Remembering again that yes I am a good person with a deep rooted desire to do good and assist others around me.
I am more aware today than ever before of my inner thoughts. I am not reacting the way I used to in such a defensive way. I am consciously choosing and that is empowering to me. That raised awareness is allowing me to take control of my life again vs it controlling me. I have loved this part the most. I am also kinder to myself and to those around me. My family! I enjoy living on purpose once again. Waking up daily choosing the type of day that I want to experience vs it choosing for me. I have learned that I can put what ever thought or meaning I want to on any given experience. The peace and joy that has come into my life as a result of my experience with Steve is truly priceless! This has expanded over to my relationship with my loving wife, my kids and my business practice. Every area of my life. I have realized that life is meant to be lived and that I can learn from every experience that I have in my life and chose to leverage those experiences to create value for others.
This is me, this is empowering to me. This is who I am. It is joyful to me to do this. I have also discovered that my core belief in my life is that I must fix things. I have learned that there are many liabilities to this belief that I have of myself and many assets. This awareness is now allowing me to acknowledge that it is a belief and I can control that in many ways. I have been leveraging the assets of this belief more than ever before. I in no way have arrived but am empowered and hopeful that this learning and discovery path that I am on is worth it. I have much to offer and much to live for! With much love and gratitude in my heart thank you Steve very much for choosing to live the life that you live and sharing that with me!”