Meet Ilene Cohen, phD | Marriage and family therapist & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ilene Cohen, phD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ilene, what are you inspired by?
As a marriage and family therapist, I’m really inspired by people who are willing to change and put the effort into making those changes. It’s genuinely amazing to see individuals who can look at themselves honestly, recognize how they might be contributing to their problems, and then decide to take action to improve their lives and relationships instead of just blaming others.

I’m also deeply moved by acts of service to the community and to others. There’s something incredibly uplifting about seeing people take the time to appreciate what they have and choose to give back.

And then there’s the power of gratefulness, optimism, and positivity. People who embody these qualities in their daily lives inspire me endlessly. They remind me that even in difficult times, there are always things to be thankful for and ways to look at the bright side.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me apart from others is my continuous thirst for knowledge. I’m always reading, writing, and attending conferences to stay active in the latest research. I love sharing my insights not only in sessions but also through writing books and articles.

I’m most proud when I hear that my work has positively changed someone’s life for the better and improved their relationships. That means a lot to me because our relationships play such a crucial role in our overall quality of life
Starting my own business wasn’t easy. In the beginning, it was slow, and it took time to build a practice and clientele. While I’m grateful for the flexibility to create my own schedule, it does come with the challenge of an inconsistent income.

I’ve learned that I can stretch myself and that I’m not lazy when it comes to managing my schedule and doing what needs to be done, even when working from home. Meeting different types of people and getting to know them has also been incredibly rewarding and motivating.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of persistence and self-discipline. Building something meaningful takes time and effort, and it’s crucial to remain dedicated even when things aren’t easy.

What you need to know about me is that I genuinely care. I don’t write about anything I haven’t experienced personally, and I put a lot of effort into all my client work. My goal is always to make a positive impact and help improve relationships, which in turn enhances the overall quality of life for the people I work with.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Weston Florida so here’s a chill but fun itinerary I would use if my best friend visited:

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Morning: Pick up from the airport and head straight to Midtown Athletic Club. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a flight.
Afternoon: Grab a casual lunch at Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill, a local favorite for great seafood.
Evening: Take a leisurely walk around Weston Town Center and maybe grab some coffee or dessert from Misha’s Cupcakes.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures
Morning: Start the day with a hike or bike ride in Markham Park.
Lunch: Head to Lucille’s American Cafe for some classic comfort food.
Afternoon: Chill at Butterfly World in nearby Coconut Creek. It’s super relaxing and beautiful.
Evening: Dinner at Ireland’s Steakhouse for an upscale dining experience.

Day 3: Beach Day
Morning: Drive out to Fort Lauderdale Beach. It’s about a 30-minute drive but totally worth it.
Lunch: Eat at Coconuts right by the beach – fantastic seafood and views.
Afternoon: Continue to soak up the sun, maybe rent some paddleboards or jet skis.
Evening: Head back to Weston and grab dinner at Tarantella Ristorante & Pizzeria in the Town Center.

Day 4: Everglades Exploration
Morning: Spend the day exploring the Everglades National Park. We can do an airboat tour, spot alligators, and take in the unique scenery.
Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab some local fare at a nearby spot like Gator Grill.
Evening: Back in Weston, have a laid-back dinner at Bonefish Grill.

Day 5: Culture and Shopping
Morning: Visit the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale for something educational and fun.
Lunch: Try The Foxy Brown for a trendy brunch spot.
Afternoon: Do some shopping at Sawgrass Mills Mall – it’s one of the largest outlet malls in the U.S.
Evening: Casual dinner at Primanti Brothers, known for their sandwiches.

Day 6: Local Exploration
Morning: Explore Weston Regional Park – to walk, or just relax.
Lunch: Have a relaxed meal at Cheese Course, a great spot for cheese lovers.
Afternoon: Check out the local art scene at the Arsht Center in Miami if we are up for a little drive.
Evening: Dinner at Sicilian Oven for some delicious pizza and Italian dishes.

Day 7: Wrap-Up and Chill
Morning: Enjoy a late breakfast at First Watch, perfect for some healthier options.
Afternoon: Spend some time at Peace Mound Park for a quiet afternoon.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner at Baires Grill, an excellent spot for Argentine cuisine.

The key is to enjoy each other’s company and make the most of the beautiful surroundings in and around Weston.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family is where I continue to learn and educate myself as a marriage and family therapist.

Website: https://www.doctorilene.com

Instagram: @doctorilene

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Facebook: @doctorilene