- Strengths-based
- Mindfulness-centered
- Action focused
About Jennifer
Dr. Jennifer Gildner is a licensed psychologist with 19 years of clinical experience. She practices from a strengths-based, collaborative stance and uses messaging-only sessions rather than live video or phone. She checks messages on weekday evenings and does not work on weekends. She does not complete forms or letters such as ESA requests or workers' compensation documentation.
Her approach centers on helping people move from intention to action. She encourages clients to name what they want from therapy and then tries to challenge them in supportive ways to reach those goals. Mindfulness is a regular part of sessions and shows up in practical exercises aimed at changing thoughts and behavior.
Dr. Gildner pays attention to how culture shapes concerns and asks clients about background and identity as part of treatment. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and client-centered listening to tailor the work to each person. Motivational Interviewing and solution-focused ideas also appear when useful.
Typical concerns she addresses include stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, self-esteem, trauma and abuse, eating and sleeping problems, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue. Additional focuses listed include codependency, attachment and family of origin issues, abandonment, adoption and foster care concerns, and chronic illness or pain.
If messaging-only therapy fits a reader's needs and they do not require documentation or letters, she invites them to complete the match process and schedule. The practice location is Minnesota and sessions are conducted in English.
How her approaches translate to online messaging therapy
Dr. Gildner uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy as core ways to guide messaging-based work. ACT helps people notice unhelpful thoughts, clarify values, and take small committed actions that match those values. Client-centered work focuses on listening, reflecting, and building a respectful, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship through written exchanges.She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in messaging to identify patterns of thought and behavior and to suggest short, practical exercises clients can try between messages. These CBT-style tasks are often framed simply so they fit into everyday life and can be reported back in the next message check-in.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. She collaborates with each person to decide which methods feel useful and then adjusts over time based on progress, goals, and personal preference. The client’s input shapes what methods are emphasized.
Messaging-only work can make therapy easier to fit into busy schedules because exchanges do not require synchronous appointments. If this format works for a reader, confirm the current session options before booking since the therapist checks messages on weekday evenings and not on weekends. Messaging also lets clients reflect before they write and follow up with brief exercises between check-ins.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
19+ years
Credentials
Washington, California, Minnesota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, self-esteem, trauma and abuse, eating and sleeping problems, career challenges, compassion fatigue, and related topics such as codependency and attachment.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and sometimes challenging, grounded in strengths. She uses mindfulness exercises and practical steps to help people move from intention to action.
What is her professional background?
She has 19 years of clinical experience as a licensed psychologist and practices using approaches like ACT, CBT, client-centered therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing.
Where is she licensed and based?
She holds psychologist licenses in California and Washington and is located in Minnesota for practice purposes.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the country work with her?
International clients are not accepted at this time.
How are sessions conducted and what about paperwork?
She uses asynchronous messaging only and does not conduct video or voice sessions. She is not able to complete forms or letters such as ESA requests or workers' compensation documentation.
How do I start therapy with her and what does it cost?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire, then schedule according to the therapist's availability. Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.