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Meet Ashley

Ashley Starwood, LCSW holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Aurora University and an undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University. She is a licensed therapist with a deep commitment to empowering clients to reach their full potential. Ashley specializes in trauma related to the BIPOC experiences and couples therapy, creating a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.

Beyond her clinical experience, Ashley has pursued additional training in areas like happiness coaching, hypnotherapy, crisis prevention, and is a certified yoga teacher. She is also a published author, leveraging her book "Writing with Love: A Guided Journal for Couples" and workbook "A Spark to a Flame" to further support relationship strengthening.

Ashley integrates mindfulness and a broad range of therapeutic approaches to tailor treatment plans for each client. She is a fully- trained EMDR therapist, trained in a powerful technique for addressing trauma. Her ultimate goal is to equip clients with the tools and resources they need to move forward in a positive and empowered way.

Links:

campsite.bio/ashleystarwood

Facebook.com/AshleyStarwood

Instagram.com/leadingwithlovellc

Takeaways

- Ashley Starwood is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Leading with Love LLC.

- She takes a holistic approach to therapy, focusing on healing the mind, body, and spirit.

- Specialization is important in coaching and therapy, as it allows practitioners to focus on their areas of expertise and provide the best support to their clients.

- Starting and running a mental health practice can be challenging, but outsourcing tasks and seeking support from reputable companies can help navigate the complexities of insurance and billing.

- Gaining experience in the field is invaluable before starting a private practice, but education on the business side of therapy can also be beneficial.

- Entrepreneurs and educators interested in launching their own businesses should get out of their own way and recognize the value of their expertise and experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:28 Taking a Holistic Approach to Therapy

08:08 The Importance of Specialization in Coaching and Therapy

15:40 Challenges of Starting and Running a Mental Health Practice

21:09 Balancing Experience and Education in Private Practice