MEET ALLISON GILDNER

MS, lpcc, pmh-c, cERTIFIED EMDR THERAPIST

smiling young woman seated in white chair looking at camera

I believe therapy should be meaningful and challenging.

we're going to work hard and achieve your goals together

Therapy with me will feel like a collaborative relationship centered around your goals.

I specialize in helping people who are struggling with difficult life experiences to restore peace and purpose to their lives.

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. My clients 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, and trauma. I also work with parents who are struggling during or after a NICU stay. Other experiences I often work with include miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, or other traumatic deaths.
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
- National Certified Counselor (NCC) - National Board for Certified Counselors