LPC, 4 years of experience
🌿 Meet Ashley – Your Partner in Healing and Growth Life doesn’t always go as planned—and I know that firsthand. I’ve walked through seasons of divorce, domestic and narcissistic abuse, the loss of a parent, fertility challenges, and a late-in-life career shift. These experiences shaped not only who I am, but how I show up for others. I bring both personal insight and professional expertise to help you navigate life’s toughest moments. I understand how overwhelming fear, failure, and hopelessness can feel. I’ve been there—just surviving. But healing is possible. Today, I’m thriving, and I believe you can too. You don’t have to carry your pain alone. Whether you're facing trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, or the aftermath of narcissistic abuse, I’m here to walk alongside you. Together, we’ll work toward building a life rooted in hope, peace, and purpose. As a Texas-based therapist, I specialize in trauma-informed care and support clients from all walks of life—including teens and adults. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique journey. ✨ Let’s begin your path to healing—one step at a time.
Your first session will be an intake appointment, where we’ll begin laying the foundation for your therapeutic journey. During this time, I’ll gather important information about your goals for therapy, current symptoms, medical history, past treatment experiences, and family background. This helps me understand your unique story and needs. We’ll also review any necessary paperwork, discuss the therapy process, and I’ll answer any questions you may have. My goal is to make sure you feel informed, supported, and comfortable from the very beginning. Together, we’ll co-create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your mental health needs and goals—because your voice matters every step of the way.
💛 My Approach as a Therapist What drives me most as a therapist is simple: I genuinely care about the people I work with. I love what I do, and I feel honored to walk alongside individuals as they navigate life’s challenges. My greatest passion lies in helping others find hope, happiness, and peace—even when those things feel out of reach. I believe that healing is possible, and that everyone deserves the chance to live a fulfilling, joyful life. If you're feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or stuck, please know you're not alone. I’m here to support you with compassion, guidance, and a clear path forward. Together, we’ll work toward meaningful change—because you deserve hope for healing and hope for happiness.
💛 A Therapist Who Truly Cares Do you feel overwhelmed, stuck in survival mode, or weighed down by the stress and chaos of life? Maybe you're longing for support but unsure where to begin. Reaching out can feel intimidating—but you don’t have to carry it all alone. I’m here to walk alongside you as you navigate life’s challenges. Together, we’ll work toward creating a life rooted in hope, peace, and emotional clarity. Whether you're facing anxiety, grief, trauma, or simply feeling lost, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and goals at your own pace. Healing takes courage—and you’ve already taken the first step by seeking support. I’d be honored to be part of your journey toward growth and renewal.
Ashley D. Hughes offers therapy covered by UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Texas.
I focus on helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns that impact their emotions and behaviors. My approach includes cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, mindfulness and distress tolerance, and problem-soling strategies. CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that empowers individuals to take control of their mental health by changing how they think and respond to situations.
I focus on helping clients process and heal from distressing experiences by integrating evidence-based techniques that promote resilience and emotional regulation. My approach includes, Recognizing the impact of trauma: I validate clients' experiences and help them understand how trauma affects their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Creating a safe therapeutic space: Establishing trust and emotional safety is essential for healing. Using trauma-focused interventions: Depending on the client's needs, I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoeducation, and Somatic Therapy to address trauma symptoms. Encouraging self-compassion and empowerment: I guide clients in developing coping strategies that foster resilience and personal growth.
For Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I integrate a structured, skills-based approach to help clients manage intense emotions, build resilience, and improve relationships. My practice focuses on four core components: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
In my practice, I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients heal from distressing experiences by reprocessing traumatic memories in a safe, structured way. I guide clients through EMDR’s eight-phase protocol, incorporating bilateral stimulation to reduce emotional intensity and support adaptive resolution. EMDR is particularly effective for clients experiencing PTSD, anxiety, grief, or relational trauma. I tailor the process to each individual’s needs, often integrating grounding techniques and mindfulness to promote emotional regulation during reprocessing. My goal is to help clients restore a sense of control, self-compassion, and resilience.
In my practice, I use Solution-Focused Brief Treatment to: Empower clients by shifting their focus from challenges to what is already working. Encourage goal setting by helping clients envision their preferred future and take steps toward it. This approach is particularly effective for short-term therapy, helping clients gain clarity, motivation, and actionable strategies in a brief timeframe.