Valerie Ashley

My name is Valerie Ashley, and I am a Licensed, Integrative Trauma and EMDR therapist. My master’s degree in Community and Trauma Counseling (Thomas Jefferson University), combined with training and certifications in EMDR, domestic violence, and sexual abuse, allows me to integrate both evidence-based practices and deep empathy into our work.

I also help people understand how their trauma experience can impact their ability to create a healthy and sustainable work life. Difficulties in work life are a well-recognized feature of post-traumatic stress, yet this reality is rarely addressed in most professional and therapeutic settings. Trauma shapes far more than our emotional world—it influences how we engage, communicate, and function in the workplace. Writing a résumé, interviewing, managing feedback, or navigating workplace dynamics can all become fraught when the nervous system is still organized around survival.

Trauma can distort your sense of safety and identity. What used to feel familiar can start to feel unsafe, and uncertainty can lead to second-guessing and a return to outdated survival strategies. My work is grounded in an integrative approach that supports you in processing what happened, restoring regulation, creating lasting and resilient connections, and more predictability in daily life.

Experiencing trauma can fundamentally change how you see yourself and the world around you. What once felt familiar and safe can quickly become confusing and uncertain, leaving us with self-doubt and sometimes leading to patterns of self-destructive behavior. My approach is integrative, addressing the mind, brain, and body equally. Together, we will explore how your thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences interact, helping you process the effects of trauma while supporting your overall well-being. Through this work, we aim to create a life where you can thrive, enjoy meaningful connections, and build sustainable relationships.

The first time we meet, there's no pressure to have everything figured out — you simply need to show up.

Our initial session is a conversation, not an assessment. I want to hear what's brought you to therapy and what feels important to you right now. Maybe you have a clear sense of what you'd like to work on, or maybe things still feel murky — either is completely okay.

I'll also share a little about how I work and how trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR, might fit your needs. Part of our time together is to help us gauge whether we're a good match. You are also deciding whether you feel comfortable working with me, and I want you to feel free to ask any questions you have.

By the end of our first meeting, my hope is that you leave feeling heard and with a clearer picture of what working together could look like.