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Allison Broennimann, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Allison Broennimann is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice based in the San Francisco Bay Area providing psychotherapy and neuropsychology services. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Broennimann specializes in in-depth psychotherapy to provide solution-focused treatments for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, adjustment problems, traumatic stress, and phase-of-life transitions. And as part of her neuropsychology practice, she integrates depth psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation for those recovering after traumatic brain injury. She is licensed by the California Board of Psychology and is a member of the American Psychological Association.

Education

  • Palo Alto University, MS, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology
  • University of California, Santa Cruz, BA Psychology

Professional Achievements

  • 2013 Congressional Recognition by Congressman Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson for outstanding contributions to veterans, their families, and the greater community

Certifications & Organizations

  • California Licensed PSY 24463

Philosophy

Dr. Broennimann's approach is warm, supportive, and solution-focused. She provides in-depth therapy for adults.

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Forum Comments (3)

What should I do if my partner acts clingy?
When you decide your partner is acting clingy, reflect and ask yourself: have you been pulling away; needing to spend less time together; or has anything in your circumstances changed? Life events such as a move, new job, death in your community, new friends, or new activities can be activating insecurity in your relationship.

Once you determine that there is nothing too new in each other’s life, you can begin to gently communicate to your partner that you’ve noticed that something in you has shifted. Ask them if they are open to talking about it. You may realize that one or both of your needs have changed in the relationship. Be curious and ask: are they/you feeling cared for, attended to; and like the two of you are on the same page?

Clinginess can be a sign that one or both people’s needs are not being met. If you approach it with curiosity and as a team acknowledging that insecurity is an opportunity to reevaluate how each other’s needs are being met, it can really move things forward.
How can I be more affectionate towards my partner?
The most important thing is to first communicate that you notice this difference in affection needs between you and your partner. It's easy to back off of these conversations because of feeling ashamed that you might need something different from each other. Try not to fall into that trap. Second, find out by asking your partner what type of touch is most important to them, and then feel out the moments that it means the most. Third, let them know you are trying through body language too, such as more eye contact, more smiling, initiating shared activities, or making some food for them can also go a long way to communicate care and affection.
What's it like being in a relationship with someone with avoidant attachment?
I know it might be too late, but wanted to add to this post!

With an avoidant, if you become overly focused on how they make you feel, that is the first flag. It is important to keep the focus on prioritizing your own inner signals of insecurity from within and this reflection can go a long way to put you in a more secure relationship with yourself. With an avoidant pattern coming up in your relationship, it might seem more important to look first at your partners behaviors. These might include dismissing the depth or importance of the connection with you, overly relying on sexual contact rather than emotional connection, not communicating, repeatedly missing dates, or devaluing the commitment level needed to move forward.

First, start with your own self-reflection. This is not to cast blame or shame about what you need, but actually you may need to confront some emotions that may be scaring you away from honoring your own needs for emotional connection. This is called shame, and it is usually what anxious and secure people fall into when they are with an avoidant individual.

This happens because you may not feel clear or self-assured about what you need emotionally or socially. This inner conflict may cause you to feel too ashamed to ask for more intimacy or connection, or end it if your needs are not being met.


Regardless of the type of insecurity you may feel, it is equally important to focus on your own feelings, emotions, and needs in response to your partner's avoidant behavior.

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