Ashton Costa

I am a warm, empathetic, and affirming mental health therapist who is passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where individuals feel comfortable being their authentic selves. I earned my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and geriatric populations.

My clinical experience includes working with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD/ADD, BPD, panic disorder, postpartum depression, grief, substance and alcohol use, relationship concerns, stress management, and the emotional impact of complex and chronic health conditions. I also have experience supporting military populations and individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.

I utilize an individualized, integrative approach incorporating CBT, ACT, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process built on trust, understanding, and acceptance. My goal is to help individuals recognize their strengths, develop effective coping strategies, navigate life's challenges, and create meaningful change while feeling supported and empowered along the way.

During our first session, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself. I understand that starting therapy can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you are unsure what to expect or where to begin. My goal is to help ease those nerves by creating a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported from the very beginning.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, explore what has brought you to therapy, and discuss what you hope to gain from the experience. We will talk about your current concerns, personal experiences, strengths, and any challenges you may be navigating. There is no expectation that you have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. You are welcome to share at your own pace, and I will meet you wherever you are in your journey.

I view therapy as a collaborative process, so we will work together to identify goals and explore approaches that best fit your individual needs. Most importantly, I want you to leave your first session feeling that you have been genuinely listened to, understood, and accepted without judgment.

You don't have to have all the answers or know where to start. Showing up is a meaningful first step, and we can figure out the rest together.