My name is Ashley, and I am a Mental Health Therapist and an Adjunct Instructor of Psychology and Family Science. I have a passion for supporting individuals and families who are experiencing life stressors and have proven to work effectively with people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations.

Therapeutic Approach

With a person-centered holistic approach, I provide therapy and resources for various challenges and mental health diagnoses to individuals and families, from adolescents to middle-aged adults, as well as couples counseling and parenting education, in a safe atmosphere that facilitates the development of individuals through critical thinking, active learning, and the integration of faith and knowledge.

My desire is to come alongside, challenge, and encourage others to find healing emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually while treating each person as unique and worthy of acceptance, regardless of their circumstances.

I believe that our childhood impacts our adulthood, and to achieve our desired goals, we must fully understand the family as a unit rather than each individual as a separate entity. This requires a look into the deeper emotions we often do not realize are there.

Educational Background

As a former Birth and Postpartum Doula, I am passionate about family well-being, perinatal mental health, and psychiatric care. I am a Marriage and Family Therapy doctoral candidate and have a master’s degree from Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work with a Clinical focus and a bachelor’s degree in Family Science with a minor in Psychology from Mississippi University for Women, where I also obtained a certification as a Family Life Educator (CFLE), provided by National Council on Family Relations.

Since graduating from Baylor, I have achieved certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Grief Professional (CGP), and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-II). Additionally, I am completing clinical supervision and will sit for the certifying exams to advance to a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider (PMH-C).

My practice interests include academia and clinical social work, including ADHD, trauma, childhood adversity, and maternal mental health; hence my diverse educational background.

You do not have to walk this journey alone.

I would be honored to walk alongside you while offering grace as we work together to identify appropriate treatment modalities and resources to meet your needs.

The more we know, the more we grow!

Ashley Barksdale, LMSW, CFLE, CGP, CCTP, CADC-II