Hello everyone! My name is Allyson Gardner, intern at Love Positive Counseling and under the supervision of Anna Baxter, LPC, CPCS. Currently, I'm a Master’s student at the University of Phoenix pursuing my degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and my dream is to have my own private practice in the future. I grew up as a part of the LGBTQ+ community as a transgender woman in a small town in the mountains of rural northwest Georgia, where the lack of mental health therapy fueled my passion to one day be able to devote myself to providing the assistance that I lacked growing up. While I aim to provide the utmost care for anyone from all walks of life, I feel that I am well equipped to build a therapeutic bond most effectively with any individual identifying under the umbrella of the queer community. I aim to provide a safe space where you can be as authentic as you wish.

I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Kennesaw State University and minored in Gender Studies, as this most closely reflected my passions and chosen population. Once I moved on to work on my Master’s, I learned more about the various methods, techniques, and tools to utilize so that I can better serve my clients. I am particularly drawn to the styles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Narrative/Person-Centered Therapy. I fully expect that as I continue in my education, these approaches will fluctuate depending on my personal and professional endeavors, as well as my clients’ therapeutic needs and progress.

Throughout my internship experience, I aim to provide a voice for those who feel that they have lost theirs. I want to work together with you to provide the best possible treatment plan, thus building a strong therapeutic relationship. Here, I am your support, your ally, your active listener, and your mental health therapy trainer. Whatever your goals are, it is my dream to help you accomplish them. I’m excited to join Love Positive Counseling on my therapy journey, and even more excited to meet you, the client, and do amazing work together!

If you feel we could be a good fit, please do not hesitate to reach out. You may reach me at [TBD]. In the meantime, contact my supervisor at Anna@LovePositiveCounseling.com to inquire about scheduling appointments.

Allyson will be available for scheduling appointments with new clients beginning August 26, 2025. Her rate for new client services is $50/hr for individual therapy, though she has a few slots for sliding scale clients.