Hi, I’m Dr. Ashley Gulden.

Throughout our lives, we face stress, serious health challenges, grief/loss, or simply feeling stuck. Many people struggle with depression and anxiety, and some experience trauma reactions from life experiences. I work collaboratively with clients to treat a broad range of mental health concerns. My clients will explore and understand their autonomic nervous system, reconnect with their mind and body, and cope with stress responses to navigate life – and maybe find new or familiar connections to what matters to them. Together, we will collaborate to learn coping skills for stress, feeling stuck, or a range of other symptoms.

Life can be challenging and hard. With support, it can also be beautiful and meaningful.

My Approach

In my practice, I intentionally build a collaborative relationship with my clients as we work together to meet goals that support their journey to a healthy mind and body. In most of my work, I integrate the clinical application of Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges and Deb Dana, which offers a guide to the inner workings of the autonomic nervous system and strategies for working with it. We will explore the role of the vagus nerve in emotion regulation, social connection, and fear/stress response as it relates to health challenges, grief/loss, challenges with parenting/caregiving, depression, anxiety, and PTSD/trauma.

Additionally, I am experienced at integrating principles and interventions from Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mind-Body Interventions. I personalize the therapeutic approach to individual needs using evidence-based approaches. My hope is that the therapeutic experience is a catalyst for change, creating space to nurture your resilience and learning skills to take with you on your journey toward health, balance, and wholeness.

Education & Experience

In the hospital setting, I saw the transformative impact group psychotherapy had on individuals who were impacted by trauma, anxiety, depression, and health-related conditions like cancer. Clients felt seen in the face of their health challenges in powerful ways that changed their lives and profoundly impacted my professional experience as a psychologist. I worked in a large hospital system for ten years and obtained the most current, evidence-based training. I have completed formal training in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD, Clinical Supervision (Board of Behavioral Health Supervisor), Psycho-oncology for the treatment of cancer, and Internal Family Systems. I am also a senior adjunct faculty member in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of St. Thomas. 

I am a graduate from University of St. Thomas, PsyD in Counseling Psychology, which emphasizes evidence-based treatments and building strong, collaborative therapeutic relationships. I completed an APA-accredited internship at the University of Minnesota Student Counseling Services and a postdoctoral fellowship in eating disorders. After completing my graduate training and fellowship, I pursued a special interest in mind-body interventions, trauma treatment, and supervision for a hospital-based mental health clinic.

Selected Publications

Ong, I., Gulden, A., Jennings, L., & Page, M. (2023). Yoga and the Healing of Interpersonal Trauma: A Qualitative Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 33.

Gulden, A. & Jennings, L. (2016). Interpersonal trauma survivors' experiences of healing through yoga. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 26(1), 21-31. 

Jennings, L., Gulden, A., Oien, M., D’Rozario, V., Goh, M., & Skovholt, T. (2012). Multicultural knowledge and skills of Singaporean master therapists. Journal of Asia Pacific Counseling, 2(2), 133-146.

Certifications & Credentials

  • Good Inside Parent Training Certification (2024)

  • Rhythms In Regulation Polyvagal Certification (2021)

  • Mind Body Medicine Certification (2015)

  • Postdoctoral Fellow at The Emily Program (2013-2014)

  • Minnesota Licensed Psychologist, License #LP5800

  • Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology, PSYPACT approval #18481

PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact) Provider

PSYPACT is an interstate compact that allows psychologists licensed in PSYPACT to practice telepsychology and/or practice temporarily into other PSYPACT participating states.

Dr. Ashley Gulden is a PSYPACT provider (PSYPACT approval #18481). If you reside in a PSYPACT state, then she can provide you with telehealth services. Learn more about PSYPACT and if your home state participates.

PSYPACT is effective in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, WI, and WY.