Hi! I'm Ashley. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I graduated with my Masters Degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University in 2008. Post graduation, I worked 5 years in a nursing home, specifically on the locked Alzheimers Unit. I have spent time working in medical hospitals in the Emergency Department and with patients after they've been admitted. Most recently, I worked 12 years at an inpatient psychiatric hospital, the last couple of years at the Lead Clinical Social Worker on a locked inpatient unit. June 2023 I started my outpatient therapy practices and now work fully remote via telehealth providing individual and couples therapy to clients in Michigan.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Our first session together will look a little different from a typical session together. I will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you have at the beginning and end of the session. I will gather information in regard to your history and presenting concerns. We will discuss what you are looking for in a therapist and what an ideal therapy session looks like for you- venting or unloading, problem solving, education/coping skills, feedback, etc. or perhaps a mix of any and all of the above depending on the week/session. We will discuss your main goal for therapy so we know what you want to work on first.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have personal experience and understanding to where clients are coming from. I have worked with clients who need a couple sessions and some coping skills who go on their way to the chronically mentally ill population who will be in services long term. I am an LGBTQ+ ally, and in working with all populations strive to meet my clients where they are at and without judgement. My goal is to provide a comfortable environment where you can be fully open and honest in sharing your story, clients who connect with their therapists are the clients who make the greatest progress, in my opinion. I ask that you come as you are, because you are best when you can be uniquely you.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Most of the clients I see have anxiety and/or depression. We want to learn "why?" we are the way we are, where this comes from. Perhaps you have already figured that piece out. Next we say, "ok, well what do I do about it?!". I can help you with this piece. We will discuss your history and presenting problems, and figure out your "why" as well as work towards getting you to feel better. Less anxious. Less depressed. Sleeping better. More relaxed. Content. And hopefully even happy. I often also assist clients who struggle with Anger, ADHD, Vocational Stress, Interpersonal Relationship Issues, low self esteem, BiPolar Disorder, Stuck Thoughts, Trauma, Grief and Loss, etc.

About Ashley Sorenson