Allyson Gardner, M.S., APC Associate Professional Counselor Supervised by Anna Baxter, LPC, CPCS

"I believe everyone deserves a safe, affirming space where they can be heard, supported, and met with genuine understanding. My mission is to walk alongside you as you navigate your unique challenges, helping you rediscover your voice and achieve your goals."

My commitment to mental health advocacy is deeply rooted in my own journey. Growing up as a transgender woman in rural Northwest Georgia, I experienced firsthand the scarcity of accessible, affirming mental health support. That experience ignited a lifelong passion to provide the care and advocacy that I—and so many others—often lacked. Because of this background, I am particularly passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ community and working with those who identify as underprivileged or underserved.

I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Gender Studies from Kennesaw State University. My clinical experience is significantly shaped by my work within the correctional system. I find profound meaning in supporting adult males who are justice-involved, helping them navigate the complexities of their circumstances, process their experiences, and work toward meaningful personal change.

I am dedicated to providing inclusive, non-judgmental care for all individuals. My practice is explicitly kink-friendly, BDSM-friendly, and supportive of sex workers, polyamorous relationships, and body positivity. In addition to traditional counseling, I offer specialized support for transgender and gender-diverse clients, including comprehensive gender assessments and professional psychological evaluations for gender-affirming surgery. I also welcome individuals and couples seeking to navigate sexual health, identity, and the complexities of intimate relationships.

To support your growth, I utilize an integrative, collaborative approach tailored to your specific needs. My practice is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Humanistic/Person-Centered therapy. I view therapy as a dynamic process; together, we will build a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship to identify your strengths and work toward a more authentic, fulfilling life.

I am proud to be part of the team at Love Positive Counseling and am truly honored to support you on your journey. I look forward to the meaningful work we will do together. If you feel we could be a good fit, please do not hesitate to reach out. You may reach me at allysongardnercounseling@gmail.com.

Allyson is available for scheduling appointments with new clients right now. Her rate for new client services is $140/hr for individual therapy, though she has a few slots for sliding scale clients.