Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Gift.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, I had just married my husband and moved away from Nashville. I was in the midst of a career transition, uncertain of what was next for me. As I reflected on my life and career thus far, I noticed themes of relationship, connection, empathy, and service. I reflected on the ways that social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being can transform a person’s life for good. I also recognized without those things, a person’s life could become chaos. Through this reflection, I decided to apply for my Master’s in Human Development Counseling. I began attending Vanderbilt’s program in the Fall of 2021. I completed a dual Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling in May 2024, and two short weeks later I gave birth to my first child. Initially, my work as a therapist was broad. I worked with clients with anxiety disorders, depression, attachment wounds, complex trauma, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and autism. I found a niche in specializing in anxiety disorders, grief and loss, and trauma. I eventually felt drawn to the field of Perinatal Mental Health, so I could support women and families during all the experiences of pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, and even loss. I witnessed how the experiences of women are often unique. Women face infertility, pregnancy loss, traumatic birth experiences, postpartum, matrescense, and other disorders unique to a woman’s physiology. Often times, women feel as though they don’t feel supported through these unique experiences, so I hoped to step in and change that. Now, I’m seeing clients individuals at The Postpartum Den in East Nashville, as well as supporting mothers in other ways. I facilitate a support group once a month through an organization called Rachel’s Gift, which serves mothers and families who have experienced the tragedies of miscarriage, still birth, and infant loss. I also teach lessons on maternal mental health at the New Mom School in East Nashville. I hope to one day be able to reach even more mothers, especially those who have experienced loss or trauma during their motherhood journeys.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I walked through a lot of uncertainty in my journey to become a therapist. I questioned whether I should lean into the school counseling side or the clinical mental health side. I landed on professional counseling because there was much more opportunity for individual connection, which many therapists believe the therapeutic alliance to be the most powerful aspect for change. Additionally, I gave birth to my son just a few weeks after graduating. Completing grad school while extremely pregnant was certainly a challenge! I also took several months off from work after graduating so I could take care of my son. Every therapist struggles with finding their identity. It takes time, experience, and failures. After a couple years in the counseling field, I believe I’ve finally found direction, but I’m still just getting started!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in counseling clients struggling with anxiety, trauma, attachment wounds, and perinatal mental health. I am trained in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through an organization called Postpartum Support International. I recently also trained in EMDR, which has been invaluable to me as a trauma therapist. I incorporate somatic techniques into my practice as a therapist as well as more traditional cognitive and behavioral modalities. I am most proud of completing my training in EMDR, as this is both a financial and professional commitment. I am still working towards certification, but using EMDR with my clients has been radically transformational. I’m also extremely proud of the work I do through Rachel’s Gift. Only those who have experienced this type of loss can understand the depth of the pain and sorrow that comes with losing a child. It is an honor to support the women and families who participate in this support group. Additionally, I am helping Rachel’s Gift host its first Angel Dash in Nashville in October. This walk/run helps raise funds to support the families impacted by miscarriage, still birth, and infant loss.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success means following your heart with courage and vulnerability. It means doing the things that scare you knowing that you could fail. I don’t think success can be as easily measured as we would like it to be. I define success as a sense of peace and contentment in all circumstances.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1711553
- Instagram: ashleygiftcounseling
