Ashley Ayala

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Accredited Parenting Coach, and Founder of The Modern Parent. Through my deep healing work with families, I have learned how vital it is to fully understand yourself in order to show up in alignment with whom you want to be. With over a decade in the field, the most change comes from entering into a safe space where you can fully explore how your experiences have shaped you and the narrative you have been told about yourself. It is possible to rewire this narrative and live authentically.

My approach

By taking a partially structured approach to our sessions, you will have the opportunity to share concerns and stressors while we explore how these are linked to your values, relationships, goals, and sense of self. I will facilitate a deeper understanding by providing psycho-education on the brain, and body, how trauma often blocks our potential and how you are showing up in conjunction with how you would like to show up in your life. I lean on a supportive and strength-based approach that will assist you in re-training your thoughts, behaviors, and views to be able to meet your personal goals. This is done in both individual, couple, and parenting work.

My focus

The client I work with is ready to better understand how their current and past stressors, relationships, and concerns are getting in the way of living life fully and enjoying it. We peel back the layers and stories that we have been told about the "problem" or how we view the "problem" and shift this narrative to one that allows us to function in the way we deserve.

My communication style

I take a kind, positive, and gentle approach. My clients often share that they feel their problem is "normalized" and are provided with helpful insight with tangible strategies. I also enjoy laughing with clients and having human-to-human relationships.

My journey to therapy

Growing up, I've always been interested in people and the story behind them. I find every person to be so special and unique and I enjoy linking how their experiences helped shape and impact them today. I took a psychology class during my first semester in college and was hooked! That lead me down the path to grad school, internships, and licensure. I mainly focused on children and families because I noticed how vital the family unit is in the development of your own sense of self and how you manage life stressors. I slowly began to shift from child therapy to working with parents only, and now adults/couples.

My goals for you

When my clients share any progress or strides in their daily life, alleviation of symptoms, and a better understanding of their concerns, this brings me the most joy. I love celebrating any size wins with my clients; if you are noticing the change, I am your cheerleader and we explore the reasons for what has "worked". After all, it doesn't always have to be examining the "problem" in therapy.

My first session with you

The first session is the most structured of my sessions. We go over some housekeeping items including limits to confidentiality, reviewing phone numbers and emergency contacts, scheduling follow-up sessions, and how to contact me for cancellations or reschedules. Then the floor is all yours to share your reasons for seeking support. I may inquire for further details on something you shared and gather more information during this time. We identify goals for treatment and save a few minutes at the end of the session for any other details I may need to a great picture of you.