Ashley Avila, LCSW, LICSW

My goal is to help you become the best version of yourself; one which feels most honest, most aligned with your personal value system & deeply whole. My name is Ashley & I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. For the last decade now, my aim has been to help empower clients with the tools & insights they need to create lasting change in their lives. The approach I take is grounded in cultural humility as well as a deep respect for each person’s story.

My hope is that by co-creating a deep sense of safety within sessions, you feel able to finally take off the mask & face the struggles you’ve dealt with alone for so long. If you’re feeling exhausted or isolated, are wanting change but need help finding the motivation to begin, or are just looking for some answers, then we may be a good therapeutic fit.

In my free time you can find me hiking with my 10 year old black lab Macy, experimenting in the kitchen, dancing like no one’s watching or curled up with my cat Teddy & a good book that offers me insight into the lives & perspectives of others.

Philosophy

It’s my belief that our diverse backgrounds & cultures, attachment styles, spiritual/religious convictions, families & communities have helped to shape us, for better or worse. Together, we’ll pull from your personal lived experiences to work towards gaining new skills, as well as strengthening those you already have & ultimately improving your life.

I want to truly understand your needs & desires so that can I work with you to set realistic, achievable goals for your lifestyle. It’s been an honor to walk beside my clients as they brave fear or vulnerability, discover untapped potential, find unique strengths & work to create lasting change in their lives. If this resonates with you, please feel free to reach out & let’s get started.

Therapeutic Approach & Treatment Orientations

I draw from a range of evidence-based, trauma informed treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT -I), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based approaches, Attachment-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy & Solution-Focused Therapy (SFBT).

I provide therapy for adults who may be struggling with:

● Family Relationship Challenges & Family Conflict
● Navigating Political Differences
● Addiction behaviors (Gambling, Video Games, Shopping, Pornography)
● Religious Trauma & Church Hurt
● Spiritual & Cultural concerns
● BIPOC & Minorities
● Generational & Systemic Trauma
● Relationship & Attachment Issues
● Codependency
● Self-Esteem & Self-Worth
● Insomnia & Sleep Concerns
● Work-Life Balance
● Stress & Burnout
● Boundary Setting
● Anger Management
● Anxiety & Panic Attacks
● Post-Traumatic stress
● Depression
● Social isolation
● Men’s Issues
● Women’s Issues
● Phase of Life Adjustments

I am so grateful for the opportunity to welcome all races, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities & expressions, abilities, ethnicities, socioeconomic background, inclusive of all people, with gentle intentionality & without judgment.

Education

San Diego State University - Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, 2016

California State University San Marcos - Master of Social Work, 2022

Oregon License Number: L30036

Washington License Number: LW61665540

California License Number: 133653

Ashley Avila, LCSW, LICSW Pronouns: she/her/hers