Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Reed
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship coach, with licenses in both Georgia and Missouri. My journey toward becoming a therapist was not what I envisioned for myself at a young age; however, it has evolved into a deeply rewarding career path for me. From an early age, I felt compelled to support others, naturally empathizing with their experiences and listening to their stories. This inclination, combined with my early experiences in the workforce, led me to seriously consider a career in human resources.
While I enjoyed my career path, I came to the realization that my passion for helping others extended far beyond workplace issues and employee relations. Rather than working in human resources, I wanted to become a resource to humans in a way that was significant and influential. I also discovered that the impact of my parents’ divorce during my late adolescence brought to light my latent desire to understand the challenges and dynamics of relationship struggles. This experience ignited a commitment to assist couples in healing their relational wounds and fostering stronger, more resilient connections.
Through this journey, my purpose became abundantly clear: my deepest aspiration is to help individuals lead more fulfilling lives and cultivate healthier relationships. In my role as a therapist, I have had the honor of working with a diverse array of individuals, couples, and their ensuing relationship dynamics. A few years into this work a significant insight revealed itself. I had an epiphany; many individuals simply needed a structured approach or toolkit in order to navigate their relationships more successfully. This was the catalyst that drove me towards expanding my practice in the area of relationship coaching.
This year, as a relationship coach, I’m dedicated to creating meaningful change. I’ll be consistently working to bridge the divide between individuals’ experiences and the skills necessary for establishing fulfilling, long-lasting relationships. My commitment is to empower individuals through relationship education, equipping them with the confidence and tools needed to thrive in their relationships. This fosters genuine personal engagement and ultimately enables them to cultivate the deep connection and love they deserve.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, the journey has been generally smooth and quite fulfilling. Some of the notable challenges I’ve encountered along the way include navigating the complexities of professional licensure, transitioning from community health work to private practice, and acquiring essential entrepreneurial skills. Because I have a strong passion for learning, my academic journey was relatively straightforward. While my counseling education provided a strong foundation in the therapeutic aspects of my work, additional guidance in areas like entrepreneurship, branding, and marketing would have further complemented my training and supported my transition into building a successful practice. Fortunately, I had exceptional mentors who offered valuable guidance and extensive supplemental education in these areas.
Working in the helping profession might seem intimately more personable, particularly because of the profound impact we make on our clients’ lives, yet it demands significant ongoing self-reflection in order to truly be an effective clinician. This commitment to self-examination is essential for understanding our own feelings and biases, which ultimately enhances the quality of care we provide to those we serve. Additionally, a certain level of genuine confidence is necessary so that when you enter the therapy room, either virtually or physically, your clients can depend on your confidence to guide them. This confidence must be authentic, not feigned.
This time last year, I stepped into my professed confidence like never before. I took a bold leap of faith by leaving an incredible group practice—one I had truly come to value—and relocating to the beautiful state of Missouri. It was here that I embarked on the journey of building my own virtual private practice. Looking back, I can honestly say it has been life-changing, uplifting, and profoundly beneficial for my personal growth.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started Mindful Growth Center for Therapy and Coaching with the intention of creating a supportive space for personal and relational growth. We currently offer therapy tailored for both couples and individuals. Our expertise lies in guiding individuals through life’s transitions, managing stressors, and navigating emotional challenges. For couples, we work on enhancing connections and fostering deeper bonds at every stage of their relationship. We take a very personalized approach to coaching, recognizing that each individual brings their own unique strengths, challenges, and needs.
What distinguishes us from other practices is our Emotion-Focused approach, which empowers clients to overcome challenges, resolve conflicts, and gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and behaviors. Additionally, our integration of psychoeducation, introspective reflection, and experiential learning further sets our coaching services apart.
I am most proud of the impact we’ve made and are making in the lives of our clients. One of the things I truly love about this work is witnessing their transformations—whether it’s the rebuilding of hope, gaining clarity, reconnecting and repairing relationships, or developing self-love and acceptance. The evolution of individuals and couples is a truly beautiful process to witness.
What’s next?
I am genuinely committed to doing my part in contributing to the creation of a more “relationally healthy” society, one that values meaningful connections and fosters supportive relationships among individuals. I plan to continue cultivating a practice that reflects my values and enhances the well-being of my clients. Currently, I am working toward licensure in additional states to expand the accessibility of my therapy services. I am also eager to bring forth innovative ideas and programming that I believe will provide significant value.
Alongside my clinical work, I plan to explore opportunities outside the therapy room that will allow me to leverage my expertise, contribute to thought leadership, and expand my professional network. The warm reception I have received in St. Louis has been truly encouraging, and I look forward to forming deeper connections and potential collaborations within this vibrant community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindfulgrowthctr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulgrowthctr/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynreedlmft/
