(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Ash. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who works with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, and difficulties with emotional regulation. I take a collaborative, compassionate, and goal-oriented approach to therapy, helping clients develop practical skills, gain insight, and create meaningful change in their lives. My therapeutic style integrates evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and Motivational Interviewing. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and challenged to grow. While empathy and validation are important parts of therapy, I am not a therapist who simply listens and nods. I believe in being honest, direct, and engaged in the therapeutic process. I will provide feedback, challenge unhelpful patterns when needed, and help you identify practical steps toward your goals. If you’re looking for a therapist who will be authentic, straightforward, and actively involved in helping you create change, we may be a good fit.
During our first session, we’ll spend time getting to know one another and discussing what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your current concerns, personal history, relationships, strengths, and goals so I can gain a better understanding of your experiences and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and determine whether I am a good fit for your needs. Together, we’ll begin identifying priorities for treatment and discuss how we can work toward your goals. While the first session is focused on gathering information and building a foundation, many clients leave with a better understanding of their challenges and some initial strategies or next steps to consider. You can expect a conversational, collaborative, and engaged approach. I will listen, ask questions, offer feedback, and help you begin exploring patterns that may be contributing to your current struggles. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and empowered to begin making meaningful changes.
What sets my approach apart is the balance of compassion, honesty, and practicality I bring to therapy. I believe meaningful change happens when clients feel both supported and challenged. I provide a warm, nonjudgmental environment where you can be yourself, while also offering direct feedback, insight, and accountability when it is helpful. I am not a passive therapist who simply listens without providing guidance. I actively engage in the therapeutic process, helping clients identify patterns, develop practical coping strategies, and take concrete steps toward their goals. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each individual, drawing from evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness-based interventions, and Motivational Interviewing. Clients often appreciate that our sessions are both validating and productive. My goal is not only to help you feel better in the moment, but also to equip you with the skills, self-awareness, and confidence needed to create lasting change outside of therapy.
I am best positioned to work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, and difficulties with emotional regulation. I enjoy helping individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from the life they want to be living and are looking for practical tools to create meaningful change. Many of the clients I work with are balancing multiple responsibilities, managing career or family stress, adjusting to major life changes, or working through patterns that no longer serve them. I also enjoy supporting individuals who are seeking greater self-understanding, improved coping skills, healthier relationships, and a stronger sense of confidence and purpose. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and goal-oriented. I work best with clients who are open to self-exploration and interested in developing new skills and perspectives, whether they are seeking support for a specific challenge or pursuing personal growth and overall well-being.
Other specialties
I identify as
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a practical, skills-based approach that helps people better understand and manage their emotions, cope with stress, improve relationships, and stay present in the moment. In our work together, I may use DBT techniques to help you: * Manage overwhelming emotions without feeling controlled by them * Develop healthier ways to cope with stress and difficult situations * Improve communication and set healthy boundaries * Reduce impulsive or self-defeating behaviors * Increase self-awareness and mindfulness * Build confidence in handling life’s challenges DBT focuses on balancing two important ideas: accepting yourself as you are right now while also working toward positive change. Therapy is collaborative, and we’ll work together to identify skills and strategies that fit your unique goals and needs. You do not need to have any prior experience with DBT to benefit from these skills. They can be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that focuses on the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Sometimes unhelpful thinking patterns can contribute to emotional distress and make it harder to cope with challenges. In our work together, I may use CBT techniques to help you: * Identify and challenge unhelpful or inaccurate thought patterns * Develop healthier and more balanced ways of thinking * Improve coping skills for anxiety, depression, stress, and other concerns * Build confidence in managing difficult situations * Change behaviors that may be keeping you stuck * Set realistic goals and develop practical strategies for achieving them CBT is a collaborative and goal-oriented approach. Together, we will explore how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another and identify strategies that can help you make meaningful changes in your daily life. The skills learned through CBT can be applied both in and outside of therapy, helping you develop tools to navigate challenges, improve emotional well-being, and support long-term growth and resilience.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that helps people develop greater psychological flexibility—the ability to navigate difficult thoughts and emotions while continuing to move toward what matters most to them. In our work together, I may use ACT techniques to help you: * Develop a different relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings rather than struggling against them * Increase mindfulness and present-moment awareness * Identify your personal values and what is most important to you * Build self-compassion and acceptance * Reduce the impact of self-criticism, worry, and unhelpful thinking patterns * Take meaningful action toward your goals, even when challenges arise ACT is based on the idea that painful thoughts and emotions are a normal part of being human. Rather than trying to eliminate discomfort, we work on creating space for difficult experiences while focusing on actions that align with your values and the life you want to build. Together, we will explore practical skills that can help you respond more effectively to life’s challenges, increase resilience, and create a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-based therapy helps individuals develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and experiences in the present moment without judgment. This approach can support emotional well-being by helping people respond to challenges with greater clarity, self-compassion, and intention. In our work together, I may use mindfulness-based techniques to help you: * Increase awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors * Manage stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm * Improve focus and concentration * Develop healthier responses to difficult emotions * Reduce patterns of rumination and worry * Cultivate self-compassion and acceptance Mindfulness does not require you to “empty your mind” or stop having difficult thoughts and feelings. Instead, it involves learning to observe your experiences with curiosity and openness, allowing you to respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically. Together, we will explore practical mindfulness skills that can be incorporated into daily life to support emotional balance, resilience, and overall well-being. These skills can be adapted to your individual needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, client-centered approach that helps individuals explore their thoughts and feelings about change. It is designed to strengthen motivation, increase confidence, and support decision-making in a way that respects your autonomy and personal values. In our work together, I may use Motivational Interviewing techniques to help you: * Explore mixed feelings or uncertainty about making changes * Clarify your goals, values, and priorities * Identify personal strengths and sources of motivation * Build confidence in your ability to make meaningful changes * Address behaviors that may be interfering with your well-being * Develop a plan for change that feels realistic and achievable Rather than telling you what to do, Motivational Interviewing focuses on helping you discover your own reasons for change and empowering you to make decisions that align with your goals. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I will provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore challenges, build motivation, and move toward the life you want to create. This approach can be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including health behavior changes, substance use, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions.