Ashley Laprise

I believe that behind every behavior, emotion, and struggle is a story worth understanding. My approach to mental health has always been rooted in a genuine curiosity about people, compassion for the human experience, and the belief that meaningful change begins when we feel truly seen and understood.

I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and bring nearly a decade of experience working in community mental health, supporting individuals navigating complex emotional and psychological challenges. My professional background includes extensive experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), crisis intervention, and working with individuals experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and challenges with emotional regulation.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, often during some of their most vulnerable moments. These experiences have shaped not only my clinical skills but also my appreciation for human resilience and the complexity of what makes us who we are.

Above all, I value authenticity, humor, compassion, and meaningful human connection. I don't believe therapy should feel cold, intimidating, or overly clinical. I believe it should feel like a place where you can show up exactly as you are, without having to pretend you have everything figured out.

I believe therapy is most effective when compassion meets curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to challenge the patterns that keep us feeling stuck. My approach is collaborative, down-to-earth, and rooted in the belief that two things can be true at once: you can accept yourself exactly as you are while also working toward meaningful change.

I draw heavily from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based approaches. Together, we'll explore not only what you're experiencing, but why certain patterns developed, how they've served you, and whether they're still helping you move toward the life you want.

I strive to balance validation with gentle challenges, practical skills with deeper self-exploration, and meaningful conversations with moments of humor. I won't pretend to have all the answers, and I don't expect you to either. My role isn't to tell you who to become, but to help you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and build the confidence and skills to create lasting change.

Ultimately, I believe therapy should be more than a place to talk about what's difficult. It should also be a place where you discover what's possible.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you're being asked to open up to someone you've never met. My goal for our first session is simple: to get to know you as a person, not just a collection of symptoms, diagnoses, or challenges.

We'll spend time exploring what brought you to therapy, what you've been experiencing, and what you're hoping might be different in your life. I'll ask questions, listen with genuine curiosity, and help us begin identifying what matters most to you. But there's no pressure to share everything at once. Building trust takes time, and we'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

You can expect a relaxed, conversational atmosphere where authenticity is encouraged, humor is welcome, and you don't have to worry about finding the "right" words. There is no perfect way to show up for therapy.

Most importantly, I want you to leave our first session feeling heard, respected, and hopeful that meaningful change is possible. We don't have to figure everything out on day one. We just have to begin.