Ashley Shepard (She/her)

Navigating the complexities of emotions, relationships, societal pressures, and family

expectations can be incredibly challenging, especially when figuring out who you are. If you're

struggling with intense emotions, identity questions, or feelings of being misunderstood, I’m

here to support you. The pressures of existing today can be immense, but you don’t have to

face these challenges alone.

I offer a safe, affirming space where you can be yourself, express your thoughts freely, and feel

genuinely heard. My therapeutic approach is grounded in anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and

intersectional principles, ensuring that our work together respects and addresses the unique

layers of your identity. As a queer therapist who embraces health at every size (HAES), I’m

committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where conversations about gender,

sexuality, and body image are approached with genuine understanding and respect.

I specialize in working with teens, adolescents (age 11 and up), and adults who face issues

such as:

● Trauma and Complex Trauma

● Family issues

● Teen struggles

● Depression

● Anxiety

● Suicidal ideation

● Gender and sexuality struggles

● Body image issues

● Chronic pain

● Women’s issues

My approach may include:

● Trauma-Focused Care: Acknowledging how past traumas impact your present

experiences while offering empowering support that prioritizes safety and healing.

● Teen Care: Helping adolescents deal with tough emotions and situations, mental

health struggles, trauma, or concerns about their future, present, or past experiences.

● Feminist Therapy: Challenging societal, cultural, and political inequities while

fostering empowerment and personal growth through an equitable lens.

● Eclectic Therapy: Combining techniques from various therapies to create

personalized treatment, tailored to each client's unique needs and healing journeys.

● Systemic Approach: Investigating how intersecting identities influence your

well-being, and addressing how various forms of oppression may impact your life.

● Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: Using mindfulness techniques to help you

manage stress and remain present in the moment.

● Psychodynamic Practices: Delving into unconscious patterns and past

experiences/relationships that may influence your current behavior and feelings.

Let’s embark on this journey together, working towards a more fulfilling, authentic, and resilient

life where you can thrive and be your authentic self!

Education:

I am currently in the process of completing my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

at the University of St. Thomas and am under the supervision of Tanya Brown, LMFT.

Contact Information:

Phone: 612-547-8704