Allison Gans, LMFT 102067
You Don't Have to Carry It Alone
About Me:
Hi, I'm Allison. I am so glad you are here.
Reaching out for support isn't always easy. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by motherhood, worried about your child, navigating anxiety, struggling in your relationship, or simply feeling like you've lost yourself somewhere along the way, you don't have to figure it out alone.
My Story
As a mom of two myself, I understand both personally and professionally how beautiful, exhausting, rewarding, and overwhelming parenting can be. I know what it feels like to juggle the mental load, question whether you're doing enough, and struggle to prioritize your own well-being.
While every family's story is different, I bring both lived experience and clinical expertise to helping parents feel more confident, connected, and supported.
Today, I work with children, teens, adults, and parents, with a special passion for supporting mothers through all stages of motherhood—from pregnancy and postpartum to the ever-changing challenges of raising children while staying connected to yourself.
My career began working with children, teens, and families in schools and community mental health settings throughout the Bay Area. As a former Support Counselor at Acalanes High School and LMFT in both school and clinical settings, I had the privilege of supporting young people through anxiety, friendships, family changes, academic challenges.
My goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported. Therapy isn't about having all the answers—it's about having someone walk alongside you as you make sense of what's happening, discover your strengths, and create meaningful, lasting change.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I believe therapy should feel like a conversation with someone who truly gets you—someone who will listen without judgment, gently challenge you when needed, and help you develop tools you can actually use in your everyday life.
No two people—or families—are exactly alike, so I don't believe therapy should be one-size-fits-all.
I combine evidence-based treatments with a warm, relationship-centered approach to help clients feel both supported and empowered. Depending on your goals, I may integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, mindfulness, attachment-based therapy, family systems work, play therapy, or practical parent coaching strategies. My hope is that you'll leave each session feeling not only heard, but with greater clarity, confidence, and tools that help you navigate life outside of my office.
Who I Help:
I work with clients who are navigating:
-
Anxiety, stress, and overwhelm
-
Motherhood and the emotional challenges of parenting
-
Pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, and identity shifts
-
Relationship and communication difficulties
-
Life transitions and self-esteem
-
Childhood anxiety and emotional regulation
-
Friendship struggles and school-related challenges
-
Parenting children with anxiety, OCD, or behavioral concerns
Professional Experience:
Throughout my career, I have worked in schools, community mental health, addiction treatment, and private practice, including:
-
Acalanes High School – Support & Crisis Counselor
-
Piedmont High School & Middle School
-
East Bay Agency for Children
-
Pyramid Alternatives Adult Addiction Treatment Center
-
Domestic Violence & Abuse Survivors Group Facilitator
I continue to participate in advanced trainings, consultation groups, and continuing education to stay current with the latest research in anxiety treatment, parenting, child development, trauma, and maternal mental health.
Specialized Training & Areas of Focus:
SPACE:
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions:
Helping parents support children with anxiety and OCD by reducing accommodations, strengthening connection, and building confidence.
For more info on SPACE: https://www.spacetreatment.net/
Perinatal Mental Health:
Specialized training through Postpartum Support International allows me to support women and families through pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, birth trauma, and the transition into parenthood.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing):
An evidence-based therapy that helps people process distressing experiences, reduce the impact of trauma and anxiety, and move forward with greater resilience.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Practical, research-supported strategies that help clients recognize unhelpful thought patterns, manage anxiety, and develop healthier coping skills.
Family Systems Therapy:
Looking beyond the individual to understand how relationships and family dynamics influence emotional well-being and lasting change.
Play Therapy, Sand Tray & Mindfulness:
Developmentally appropriate approaches that help children express emotions, build emotional awareness, and strengthen coping skills in a safe and engaging environment.