Gary Ashley

It takes courage to start therapy. You are welcome here.

Ienjoy working with teens (13+), adults, and couples who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their next steps in life. Many of the people I work with are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or difficult life transitions. My goal is to walk alongside you with support, encouragement, and practical tools as you move toward healing, greater self-awareness, and meaningful personal growth.

My approach to counseling is collaborative and strength-based. I draw from Person-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes empathy, respect, and acceptance, and Adlerian Therapy, which explores how early life experiences and relationships influence the patterns we carry into adulthood. Together, we work to better understand those patterns while identifying the strengths and resilience that already exist within you. Through this process, clients often gain deeper self-awareness, learn to establish healthier boundaries, and develop stronger communication skills in their relationships.

I am particularly passionate about helping individuals work through anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as supporting clients who want to strengthen their relationships. I enjoy working with a diverse range of clients, including teens, adults, and couples. I am also currently completing Gottman Level 1 training, which provides research-based tools to help couples improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen emotional connection.

For clients who desire it, I also offer faith-integrated counseling. This simply means that your spiritual beliefs and values can be thoughtfully incorporated into the counseling process in a way that feels natural and authentic to you. Whether faith is central to your journey or not, my priority is to ensure you feel respected, understood, and supported.

My life experiences also shape the way I connect with clients. I have traveled extensively to China and Vietnam, experiences that gave me a deep appreciation for different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. These experiences allow me to approach counseling with curiosity, humility, and a broad cultural lens when working with people from diverse backgrounds.

Creativity has also played a significant role in my life. I have a background in writing, music, visual art, and product design from a previous career. These creative pursuits influence my counseling style by encouraging flexibility, imagination, and new ways of thinking about life’s challenges and possibilities.

I grew up in Alaska and feel deeply connected to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, especially the mountains, forests, and waterways. Outside of counseling, I enjoy reading, exploring nature, creating art and music, and treasure-hunting at thrift stores.

Reaching out for counseling can feel like a big step. My hope is to provide a welcoming space where you do not have to face life’s challenges alone, and where together we can discover hope, healing, and new ways forward.