MEET ALLISON GILDNER

MS, lpcc, pmh-c, cERTIFIED EMDR THERAPIST

smiling young woman seated in white chair looking at camera

Therapy that is warm, honest, and actually moves you forward.

I've worked with countless women who felt like they were losing themselves during pregnancy or after birth. Together, we will make sense of what is happening and help you feel grounded again.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Minnesota. I am experienced with treating peripartum and postpartum mental health concerns, anxiety-related disorders, grief, and trauma. My clients often come to me expressing feelings of brokenness, hopelessness, or feeling like they’re not themselves. They appreciate my authenticity, compassion, and expertise.

I like being creative and varied in my therapy approach. I also offer some unconventional methods, including Animal Assisted Therapy with Bandit, my therapy dog in-training, and nature-based therapy which involves walking outdoors instead of being in the office. No matter what approach we take - my goal is always to help you in the most efficient, caring, and practical way.

A little more about me…

When I’m not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children, connecting with my church family at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church, being active in the great outdoors, listening to a great podcast, playing curling, or enjoying a quality cup of coffee with a good book.

Modern office waiting area with brown couch, wooden reception desk, chairs, and decor. Features wall art, mirror, pendant lights, and wood flooring.

Waiting area at Elevate Psychotherapy

I most often work with pregnant and postpartum women. Many of my clients have struggled with:
- perinatal anxiety
- depression
- trauma
- a NICU stay
- miscarriage
- stillbirth
- abortion
- other losses
More generally, I work with women and men who may be struggling with anxiety, trauma, or grief.
I’m trained in a variety of therapy methods, allowing me to tailor my approach to your unique goals and needs. These include:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- Existential Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
I have experience in various settings including
- inpatient therapy for mothers struggling with addiction;
- in home care for adults with disabilities;
- individual psychotherapy with a generalist approach through a large agency setting;
- currently, private practice since 2022.
- Clinical Psychology, B.S; University of Northwestern, St. Paul MN
- Counseling and Human Development, M.S.; South Dakota State University
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health
- EMDR Certified Therapist
- Perinatal Mental Health Counseling - Certification
- Training: The Advanced Practice of EMDR for Perinatal & Infant Mental Health - Touchstone Institute
- Training: Nurturing Mamas Network - Perinatal Mental Health
- National Certified Counselor (NCC) - National Board for Certified Counselors