Gillian approaches each client with wholehearted acceptance and warmth. Gillian takes a person-centered approach to counseling, emphasizing a nonjudgmental and authentic therapeutic relationship and environment. She believes that the best way to begin changing a behavior or feeling is to understand its function or how it came to be in the first place. She honors the experiences and differences that each client brings to therapy and demonstrates deep compassion and respect for every client. Gillian integrates the philosophies from motivational interviewing and psychodynamic theory with techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Gillian is actively engaged in deepening her understanding of racial justice and identifies as a committed ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Gillian enjoys working with clients who have concerns related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, relationship concerns, and bereavement. She has extensive experience working with young adults and those in the helping professions, including medical and mental health professionals. She specializes in helping folks experiencing concerns related to perinatal and postpartum mental health, navigating life transitions, and processing grief and loss.

Gillian received her bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College in 2014 and her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of William and Mary in 2017. She has undergone training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), a trauma-focused modality for clients up to age 18. She has also undergone in-depth training through Postpartum Support International on perinatal and postpartum mental health.

In her free time, Gillian enjoys spending time with her dog, reading, doing crosswords, taking naps, and running around the Mississippi River slowly.