LCSW, 19 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi there! Thank you for taking a few moments to review my bio! My name is Ashley, and I have a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Washington in Seattle, and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Indiana and Washington. For over 19 years, I have worked in the field of social work, addressing issues such as involvement in the child welfare system (foster care and adoption), trauma, anxiety, and depression. I use a strength-based approach and cognitive behavioral techniques to target maladaptive thinking patterns and help you obtain change that is sustainable!
Everyone has a story, so our first session will be spent discussing your primary reason for seeking therapy. I would love to hear in your own words what you believe your strengths are and what you are hoping to achieve in our sessions. I'd also be curious to know if you've attended therapy in the past and what has worked for you, and what has not. Lastly, we will discuss your goals and come up with a plan for future sessions.
Finding the right therapist is a crucial step in your healing journey, so it’s important to find someone who is the right fit. I take pride in being a warm and compassionate person who is a good-listener. While I will use some typical "therapy speak," in general, my goal is to get to know you and truly understand your life experiences and how they've either served or hindered you in your life goals. I am upbeat and positive, and have a sense of humor that I will bring to our sessions when appropriate. Most importantly, I truly want to see you succeed. I view our sessions as a collaboration and will never give up on you. If there is one thing I'd want my clients to know, it's that everyone probably needs therapy at some point in their life, and there is zero shame or embarrassment in what you have experienced that brought you to therapy. I applaud you for taking the next step, as I know it isn't easy!
Are you struggling to get out of bed or enjoy the things you once loved? Do you feel anxious, lost, or hopeless? Let's be honest. Life is really hard sometimes. I'm here to help you navigate the challenges and get to a place where you feel more balanced and hopeful about the future. We will work together to identify your strengths. YES, you have them! Your situation could be tricking you into thinking you don't, but you absolutely do. Let's tap into those strengths. Remember, you are not defined by your symptoms, so let's work together to unpack the root cause of what you are experiencing. So, come as you are- snot bubbles and uncontrollable crying or completely disconnected. I will meet you where you're at and we will work together to get you on a path to wellness and healing.
In my almost 20 years of experience, I have found that identifying strengths is an integral part of the healing process. Some people don’t always recognize their strengths, so highlighting them and using them as a tool can really help achieve goals.
Life can be really difficult sometimes, so a little support and encouragement can go a long way to jump start the healing process. I pride myself on being a good listener so clients truly feel heard and supported.