Ashley Shepard (She/her)

Navigating the complexities of emotions, relationships, societal pressures, and family expectations can be incredibly challenging, especially when you're in the process of 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 and adolescents (ages 11 and up), and young adults who face issues such as:

● Complex trauma and CPTSD

● Trauma and PTSD

● Family issues

● Teen struggles

● Depression

● Anxiety

● Gender and sexuality struggles

● Body image issues

● Chronic pain

● Women’s issues

My approach may include:

● Trauma-Focused Care: Acknowledging and understanding how historical and systemic traumas shape your current experiences, and providing support that is mindful of these layers.

● Feminist Therapy: Challenging societal, cultural, and political inequities while fostering empowerment and personal growth through an equitable lens.

● Person-Centered Therapy: Valuing you as the expert on your own life, with me acting as a supportive guide in your journey.

● Systemic Approach: Investigating how intersecting factors such as race, gender, class, sexuality, etc., 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.

● Attachment Theory: Exploring how your early relationships affect your current

emotional responses and interactions.

● Psychodynamic Practices: Delving into unconscious patterns and past experiences that may be influencing your current behavior and feelings.

Together, we will navigate your unique challenges, develop healthy coping strategies, and build resilience. My goal is to help you feel more in control, understood, and empowered in your daily life. By focusing on your strengths and creating a space where you are valued and supported, we can work toward a future where you feel confident in your authentic self.

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

Email: ashley@vibrantlifetherapyclinic.com

Phone: 612-547-8704

Accepted Insurances:

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Health Partners

Cigna

Aetna

Ucare

Hennepin Healthcare

UMR

MA/PMAP