Ashley Zajacs
LCSW
authentic. welcoming. curious. creative. conscientious
she/her
Hi there! I’m Ashley, and I'm thrilled to welcome you here. It’s truly a pleasure to have you join me on this journey.
My passion as a therapist centers around guiding adult clients toward a "life worth living," echoing the sentiments of renowned psychologist Marsha M. Linehan. I view life as a recipe, comprised of various ingredients: our lived experiences, beliefs, culture, spirituality, relationships, health, and more. Just like cooking, we blend these elements within the different systems or "pans" we navigate in life. However, societal narratives often overlook the rust and holes stemming from colonialism and discrimination, attributing any discrepancies to flawed ingredients rather than acknowledging systemic barriers.
Do ingredients matter? Absolutely! Yet, we must confront the reality that not all of us have been equipped with the same pans and kitchens to create our desired outcomes. This acknowledgment is pivotal in understanding the internal and external forces shaping our lives, paving the way for meaningful change—not to achieve perfection, but to cultivate lives genuinely worth living.
Let’s delve into "My Ingredients." I identify as a cishet, white, late-diagnosed AuDHDer, bringing over a decade of experience as both a social worker and therapist. My journey has spanned diverse settings, from in-home and residential treatment for children and adolescents to hospital social work, therapy in primary care and OBGYN offices, and eventually private practice. Along this path, I've absorbed invaluable lessons, constantly evolving and unlearning.
Professionally, I'm well-versed in various therapy methods, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), while actively pursuing education in Somatic Abolitionism and decolonizing my practice. In our sessions, I strive to infuse warmth and humor, sometimes even sporting fun shirts to lighten the atmosphere. Ultimately, my therapeutic approach revolves around honoring your lived experiences and empowering you to craft a fulfilling life.
Beyond my work, I cherish moments with my husband, our exuberant yet affectionate dog (a warning: puppies are a delightful trap!), and our two cats, one of whom occasionally lends a paw during sessions. I indulge my creative side through flameworked glass art, lovingly dubbing them "abominations" despite others' admiration. In my downtime, you'll find me immersed in video games, tinkering with Legos, or enjoying the tranquility of my sunroom—striving, perhaps futilely, not to become the person who scolds deer feasting on my shrubs.
Specializing in trauma, particularly childhood and familial trauma, reproductive health, medical trauma, workplace culture, grief, and loss, I offer tailored support in perinatal mental health for all birthing individuals, navigating the complexities of first-time parenthood, birth trauma, pregnancy and infant loss, and managing mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. Additionally, I provide guidance and assistance for adults with ADHD and Autism, addressing identification, late diagnosis, education, acceptance, celebrating unique strengths, coping with challenges, and implementing accommodations.
Thank you for allowing me to share a glimpse into my world and areas of expertise. I look forward to accompanying you on your journey towards healing and self-discovery.