Meet Annelise Cunningham, PhD | Licensed Clinical Psychologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Annelise Cunningham, PhD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annelise, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My practice provides remote therapy to residents of the states of Colorado and Illinois. I specialize in trauma and loss, within the context of prenatal and postpartum events. I provide trauma-informed and attachment-based care to individuals that have experienced unexpected, unimaginable, and overwhelming life experiences. My work involves therapy, social media to spread educational awareness, and working to advocate for mental health to be seen as standard of care in the prenatal and postpartum periods for ALL caregivers involved. Pregnancy and postpartum are incredibly vulnerable and life-changing times, and although we are getting better; we have a long way to go in providing sufficient mental health support.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My private practice, AMC The Practice was built to provide remote telehealth for residents of Colorado and Illinois. The decision of providing remote-only services was intentional based on the feedback I have been given by my client population. Individuals in the prenatal and postpartum stages are tired, busy, overwhelmed, and did I say tired? It is a big ask to caregivers to travel, park, and have childcare in order to access quality and expert mental health services. My areas of expertise are also what sets AMC The Practice apart. My practice focuses on trauma-informed mental health support for areas including prenatal and postpartum periods (anxiety, depression, PTSD), fetal loss, high-risk pregnancy, infant loss, NICU admissions, traumatic birth, fetal/infant/caregiver medical complexities, and parenting support. I am most proud that my practice was created out of real experiences, observed needs, and feedback from clients. I know, without a shadow of doubt, that this practice is needed, wanted, and makes a difference in people’s lives. What more could you ask for?

The process of growing, marketing, and getting my practice to the right people has been the most challenging. It takes time to grow and get your business to the right audience. utilizing social media has helped reach a wider audience. You learn through trial and error the marketing tactics that are right for your business. In talking within other business owners, I’ve learned that each of us has individual needs and different tactics work for different businesses. It’s just like therapy, everyone is different and it takes some exploration and experimentation to find exactly what you need.

I want the world to know this type of care exists. I want the world to know there are providers with specialty and expert training in these areas. I want the world to know that there is a place to get help when the unimaginable happens. That is where AMC The Practice provides a service. And, because I know not everyone lives in the states I am licensed in to practice therapy, I am creating products for people to have to support their mental health outside of therapy. AMC The Practice will soon be releasing a 6-month journal focused on processing traumatic loss and grief. I will continue to provide care and develop products to support prenatal and postpartum support for ALL caregivers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Sun, food, drinks, and hiking. The weather is pretty amazing, so I would definitely recommend a rooftop pool day to soak up sun. I’d recommend getting delicious ice cream at Nuggs and donuts at Voodoo both on E Colfax. Oh also, Smith+Canon in Chessman Park for ice cream! For amazing cocktails, I’d recommend Death & Co. For a brewery day, I’d recommend Novel Strand. For food? Hmmm. I’d say definitely the Welton Street Cafe, Genna Rae’s Wings, Redeemer Pizza, and Biker Jim’s. You’ve got to include hiking and I always enjoy accessible trails in Boulder and following up with happy hour at Jungle or The Bitter Bar.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, my clients. All of my work is informed by the clients I am so privileged to work with. I am inspired and taught by each therapeutic individual relationship.

Instagram: @drcunninghamphd

Other: Tiktok: @drcunninghaphd To schedule: email info@amcthepractice or call 773-531-8738.

Image Credits
Photo by Jordan Baum, @JBaum34