Gary Ashley

It takes courage to start therapy. You are welcome here. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, I work with teens, adults, and couples who may feel stuck, overwhelmed,or uncertain about their next steps in life. My goal is to walk alongside you, offering support, encouragement, and practical tools as you move toward healing, improved self-awareness and personal growth.

My approach to counseling is collaborative and strength-based. I draw from Person-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes empathy, respect, and acceptance, as well as Adlerian Therapy, which helps uncover how early childhood experiences and relationships shape the patterns we carry today. I believe you already have strengths and resilience within you, and together, we’ll work to bring those forwards in ways that create meaningful and lasting change. Additionally, we will work on building self-awareness, improving communication skills and boundaries with self
and others.

For those who want it, I also offer faith-integrated counseling. This means weaving your spiritual values into the work we do, without pressure, and in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether or not faith is part of your journey, my goal is to make sure you feel seen, respected, and understood.

My life experiences also shape the way I connect with clients. I have traveled extensively to China and Vietnam, gaining a deeper appreciation for different people, cultures, and ways of life. These experiences have given me a broad cultural lens that helps me relate to clients from diverse backgrounds with openness and curiosity. I also have an in-depth creative background, from writing and playing music to creating art as a personal outlet and product design in a previous career. These pursuits inspire my counseling
style, encouraging creativity, flexibility, imagination, and new ways of seeing and overcoming challenges.

I grew up in Alaska and feel at home in the Pacific Northwest amongst the mountains, trees and bodies of water. Outside of counseling, I enjoy reading, exploring nature, creating art and music, and treasure-hunting at thrift stores.

I know reaching out for counseling can feel like a big step. My hope is to provide a welcoming space where you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone, and where together we can find hope, healing, and new ways forward.