Ashley Smith
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor supporting LGBTQ+ adults navigating anxiety, overthinking, and people-pleasing. I help clients understand the patterns that keep them stuck so they can feel more grounded, confident, and connected to who they are.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community and provide a safe, affirming space where you can explore your identity, experiences, and goals without judgment.
My approach is collaborative and insight-driven, creating a space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and relationships without judgment and begin making meaningful, lasting changes.
First session
In our first session, we’ll take things at your pace. I’ll get to know what’s been going on for you, what feels most important, and what you’re hoping for. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, understood, and not judged. We may start to explore patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and relationships, but there’s no pressure to go deeper than you’re ready for. You’re in control of what we talk about, and we’ll move in a way that feels manageable for you.
Strengths
My approach is both supportive and insight-driven. I help clients slow down and understand the deeper patterns behind anxiety, overthinking, and relationship challenges so change feels meaningful and lasting. I integrate Brainspotting, CBT, DBT, and somatic work to support both emotional and nervous system regulation. Clients often share that they feel truly seen and understood in our work, and that therapy helps them build confidence, trust themselves, and show up more authentically in their lives.
Ideal clients
I work best with LGBTQ+ adults who feel anxious, stuck, or unsure of themselves in relationships. You might find yourself overthinking everything, second-guessing what you say, or struggling to set boundaries without guilt. Many of the clients I work with are used to putting others first and have a hard time trusting themselves or knowing what they truly want. They’re often thoughtful, self-aware, and ready to understand themselves on a deeper level so they can feel more confident, grounded, and able to show up more authentically in their lives and relationships.
Treatment methods
Brainspotting
Brainspotting helps access and process deeper emotional experiences that may feel stuck beneath the surface. It can support lasting change by working beyond just thoughts and into how your body holds stress and past experiences.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT focuses on understanding how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. Together, we’ll identify patterns that contribute to anxiety and self-doubt and build practical tools to help you respond differently.
Somatic
Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between your mind and body. It can help you better understand and regulate your nervous system so you feel more grounded, present, and less overwhelmed in your daily life.
Location
Virtual sessions