Hello! Ashley here. Welcome to my Tailwinds Team page!
Outside of the therapy room, I’m a creative person who enjoys making things with my hands. Whether it’s crocheting, crafting, or diving into whatever creative project has caught my attention lately, I find a lot of joy in the process of turning an idea into something real. There’s something grounding about creating something tangible in a world that often feels fast paced and overwhelming.
I also share my home with my dog, Millie, who keeps life entertaining and makes sure I take breaks from whatever creative project I’ve gotten myself into.
When I’m not working or crafting, you can usually find me spending time with friends and family, going to a musical, watching football (Bear down!) or having a cozy night in. I’ve always been someone who enjoys conversations that go a little deeper than small talk. I think that natural curiosity about people and their stories is a big part of what drew me to this work in the first place.
Master of Arts: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (IL License #: 180.017571)
…what I’m currently making or crafting (I always have at least three projects going at once)!
…my dog Millie and why she basically runs my life.
…my latest theater or musical obsession—I will absolutely have opinions.
Master of Arts: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (IL License #: 180.017571)
As a therapist, I believe the relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important parts of the work. People are far more likely to open up, take risks, and make meaningful changes when they feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported.
My approach is collaborative and grounded in curiosity. Rather than assuming there is a single “right” way to move forward, I work with clients to explore what they’re experiencing, understand the patterns that may be keeping them stuck, and build tools that help them navigate challenges in their daily lives.
I also enjoy incorporating creative elements into therapy when it feels helpful. For some clients, activities like drawing, coloring, or other creative exercises can make it easier to express emotions, explore ideas, and engage in the therapeutic process in a different way.
Therapy doesn’t need to feel overly formal or intimidating. My goal is to create a space where clients can be honest about what they’re experiencing and feel supported while working toward growth and change.
Sessions with me are typically conversational and collaborative. My goal is for therapy to feel like a place where you can talk openly about what’s going on in your life without feeling judged, rushed, or pressured to have everything figured out.
Some days we might focus on something that happened recently. Other times we’ll step back and look at patterns in emotions, relationships, or the ways stress shows up in your life. Often, it’s a mix of both.
Because I work primarily with teens and young adults, I also like to incorporate creative and interactive approaches when it fits the client. This might include things like drawing, coloring, or other creative exercises that help people explore emotions and ideas in a way that feels more natural than just sitting and talking.
Most importantly, therapy moves at your pace. My role isn’t to rush the process, but to support you while we make sense of things together.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling from Northwestern University.
I work primarily with adolescents and young adults (approximately ages 13–35) who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress related to school or work, relationship concerns, and major life transitions.
I am committed to providing an affirming and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, including those exploring identity, navigating coming out, or seeking a therapist who understands and respects their experiences.
My approach integrates several evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), person-centered therapy, psychodynamic approaches, and internal family systems–informed work. I aim to tailor therapy to each individual, recognizing that every client’s experiences, strengths, and goals are unique.
Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not quite sure what to expect. Many of the people I work with come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. Therapy is simply a place to start the conversation.
If we work together, my hope is that you’ll find a space where you can talk openly about what’s going on in your life, gain a better understanding of yourself, and develop tools that help you navigate challenges with more confidence.
Here are answers to questions I hear from clients most often!
Therapy can help LGBTQIA+ individuals navigate a range of experiences, including identity exploration, coming out, relationship dynamics, family challenges, and the impact of stress or discrimination. It also provides space to build self-acceptance, resilience, and a stronger sense of identity.
Many people seek therapy again after a previous experience didn’t feel helpful or affirming. A strong therapeutic relationship is built on trust, respect, and feeling understood. Finding the right fit can make a meaningful difference, and it’s okay to try again.
Yes. Anxiety related to identity, relationships, or navigating different environments is very common. Therapy can help you process these experiences, reduce stress, and develop tools to feel more grounded and confident in yourself.
Emotional burnout can happen when stress, responsibilities, or emotional demands build up over time without enough space to recover. It’s especially common for people who tend to take care of others or put their own needs last. Therapy can help you understand what’s contributing to burnout and develop more sustainable ways of caring for yourself.
Yes. We provide therapy for individuals in Naperville and throughout the western suburbs of Chicago. Our approach is supportive, collaborative, and focused on helping you feel understood while working toward meaningful change.
Repeating patterns in relationships often reflects deeper emotional experiences or attachment patterns that developed earlier in life. These patterns can influence how you connect, communicate, and respond to others. Therapy can help you become more aware of these patterns and begin to make different, more intentional choices.
Feeling stuck is often a sign that something deeper is unresolved. Even when you’re making efforts to move forward, underlying emotional patterns or past experiences can make it difficult to create lasting change. Therapy helps you understand these patterns and find a path forward that feels more aligned and sustainable.
Therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore how past experiences may still be affecting your thoughts, emotions, and relationships. Trauma-informed therapy focuses on helping you process these experiences at your own pace, build a sense of safety, and develop new ways of responding so they have less impact on your daily life.
Yes. Many people come to therapy feeling disconnected from themselves or unsure of who they are. Therapy can help you reconnect with your values, understand your experiences, and begin to feel more grounded and aligned in your life.
Shutting down is often a protective response when situations feel overwhelming or emotionally intense. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s something your mind and body may have learned to do to cope. Therapy can help you understand this pattern and develop ways to stay more present and engaged, even during challenging moments.
Anxiety doesn’t always come from what’s happening in the moment. It can be influenced by past experiences, chronic stress, or patterns your mind and body have learned over time. Even when things seem “fine” on the surface, your nervous system may still be reacting as if something is off. Therapy can help you understand these responses and learn how to feel more grounded and safe.
This experience is more common than it seems and is often rooted in internalized beliefs shaped by past experiences or relationships. You may feel like you have to adjust yourself to fit different situations, which can create confusion and self-doubt. Therapy can help you explore these beliefs and build a more stable, accepting sense of self.
Difficulty with trust often develops from past experiences where safety, consistency, or reliability were missing. Even when you want to trust others, your mind and body may still be cautious. Therapy can help you understand these responses and gradually build trust in a way that feels safe and realistic.
