Adina Ascher
About
Welcome. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a PhD in East-West Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. I provide psychotherapy, consultation, and clinical supervision through a collaborative, insight-oriented, and affirming approach that integrates Western psychological theory with Eastern contemplative traditions. I believe therapy is a practice of developing greater awareness of our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relational patterns. While this may sound simple, learning to observe ourselves with curiosity rather than judgment can be profoundly transformative. As we begin to understand the patterns that shape our lives, new possibilities for choice, healing, and meaningful change naturally emerge. I work with adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, identity exploration, life transitions, chronic illness, and creative or spiritual blocks. I have particular experience supporting LGBTQIA+, kink-affirming, polyamorous, neurodivergent, and intersectionally identified clients, and I strive to create a space where people feel genuinely seen, respected, and understood. In addition to my private practice, I have spent more than a decade serving in community mental health as both a Clinical Supervisor and Clinical Director, mentoring clinicians and supporting high-quality, relational care. These experiences continue to deepen my appreciation for the complexity of healing and the importance of meeting each person with humility, compassion, and respect. Whether you are seeking relief from current challenges, exploring questions of identity or purpose, or hoping to better understand yourself and your relationships, my goal is to offer a thoughtful, collaborative space where lasting growth can unfold at a pace that feels right for you.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a therapeutic relationship. We'll talk about what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, relevant life experiences, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I'll also answer any questions you have about my approach so we can determine whether we feel like a good fit. While the first session includes gathering important background information, it is not simply an intake. I strive to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where you can begin sharing your story at a pace that feels comfortable. Together, we'll start identifying patterns, strengths, and areas for growth, and discuss what meaningful progress might look like for you. My hope is that you leave our first meeting feeling heard, respected, and with a clearer sense of how we might work together to support your goals.
Strengths
What sets my approach apart is a belief that meaningful change begins with understanding rather than judgment. Rather than rushing to solve problems or offer quick answers, I help clients slow down and become curious about the patterns shaping their thoughts, emotions, relationships, and ways of moving through the world. As greater awareness develops, new possibilities for choice, healing, and lasting change often emerge. My style is collaborative, relational, and insight-oriented. I strive to create a space where clients feel both deeply accepted and thoughtfully challenged. At times, that means quietly holding space for difficult emotions; at others, it means gently inviting clients to notice patterns, assumptions, or blind spots they may not have seen before. I believe growth happens through a balance of compassion, curiosity, and honest reflection. My perspective has been shaped by more than two decades of clinical work, a PhD in East-West Psychology, and years of leadership as a Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor. These experiences have taught me to appreciate the complexity of human experience and to approach each client with humility, respect, and openness. They have also reinforced my belief that there is no one-size-fits-all path to healing. I especially enjoy working with clients who are interested in deeper self-exploration, including those navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity exploration, life transitions, and questions of meaning and purpose. Whether you are new to therapy or returning after previous experiences, my goal is to offer a thoughtful, affirming, and collaborative relationship where you can better understand yourself and move toward a life that feels more authentic, connected, and aligned with your values.
Ideal clients
I work best with clients who are curious about themselves and open to exploring the deeper patterns that shape their thoughts, emotions, relationships, and life experiences. Many of the people I work with have reached a point where they want more than symptom relief—they want to better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and create lasting, meaningful change. I support adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, identity exploration, life transitions, and creative or spiritual blocks. I have particular experience working with LGBTQIA+, kink-affirming, polyamorous, neurodivergent, and intersectionally identified clients, and I strive to provide a space where people feel respected, understood, and free to bring their whole selves into therapy. My approach is especially well suited for clients who appreciate a collaborative, insight-oriented process and are interested in slowing down, reflecting, and developing greater awareness. Together, we explore not only what is happening in the present, but also the patterns and experiences that have shaped who you are. My goal is to help you cultivate greater clarity, emotional flexibility, and a deeper sense of connection to yourself and others.
Treatment methods
Humanistic
My work is grounded in the humanistic belief that people possess an inherent capacity for growth, healing, and meaning-making. Rather than trying to "fix" clients, I work collaboratively to cultivate greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and relational patterns. As clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves, they often discover greater freedom, authenticity, and choice in how they engage with their lives and relationships.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness is woven throughout my work as a practice of paying attention to what is actually happening in the present moment. Together, we cultivate the capacity to observe thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relational patterns with curiosity rather than judgment. As clients develop a more compassionate and aware relationship with their inner experience, they often discover greater freedom, choice, and authenticity in how they respond to life's challenges.
Existential
An existential perspective informs my belief that therapy is not only about reducing distress but also about exploring what it means to live a meaningful and authentic life. Together, we examine how your experiences, relationships, values, and choices shape the person you are becoming. Rather than offering simple answers, I create space for thoughtful reflection, helping you navigate uncertainty with greater awareness, compassion, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Feminist
My work is informed by feminist therapy's commitment to collaboration, empowerment, and social justice. I believe emotional struggles cannot always be understood apart from the broader cultural, relational, and systemic contexts in which they develop. Together, we explore how identity, relationships, and social expectations have shaped your experience while building greater awareness, self-compassion, and the freedom to live in ways that feel authentic and aligned with your values.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
A culturally sensitive approach means recognizing that healing does not happen in isolation from the broader contexts of our lives. I consider how culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, spirituality, disability, family, and other aspects of identity may shape your experiences, relationships, and sense of self. I strive to approach each client with cultural humility, openness, and curiosity, creating a collaborative space where your lived experience is respected and where we can thoughtfully explore both personal and systemic influences on your well-being.
Location
Virtual sessions