Allender received his Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary and his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University.
He also writes about and speaks to the impact of abuse on relationship, marriage and family, and the Christian Sabbath.
Allender is the author of To Be Told: Know Your Story, Shape Your Future, How Children Raise Parents, and The Healing Path, as well as The Wounded Heart, Bold Love, Intimate Allies, and God Loves Sex.
In 2010, The Allender Center was launched as a non-profit organization within The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology dedicated to the training of counseling professionals working in the areas of trauma and abuse.
The development options include online courses, conferences, workshops, trainings, and marriage retreats.