Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Shelley.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
A good place to start is around age 11, that’s when I first saw a psychotherapist portrayed on a television sitcom by a familiar black actress. I was sold. From that point forward, I knew that I would become a therapist. “Become” is the operative word here. I had connected with my innate desire and passion to help others feel seen by authentically listening to them, creating space for them. Ashley that exists at this moment is the result of twists, turns, and edge-of-your-seat cliffhangers that grew increasingly interesting starting at age 19.
A variety of significant life transitions occurred during this time, including moving to Nashville, TN. to attend Fisk University as a psychology major. This was a different world indeed. Unbeknownst to me, the new and exciting environment presented me with the opportunity to literally get to know how I am, the way that I operate in this world. Post undergrad, I became an early childhood educator, this is where I became very acquainted with the practice of patience.
While continuing to teach, I began and completed graduate studies for clinical mental health counseling. My first post-grad position was as a behavioral health counselor in a clinical setting, about 18 months later, I transitioned to a part-time position with Family and Children’s Services. A tornado, pandemic, and leap into full-time private practice sums up my year of 2020.
Learning, navigating, and implementing supportive practices for my personal life experiences are the organic components that makeup Melanin & Mindfulness, LLC. I literally breath mindfulness practices, noticing the positive impact on my mental and emotional well-being inspired me to extend the offering out through therapeutic practices.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the words of the esteemed writer, Langston Hughes, “life ain’t been no crystal stair”.
Being accepted to undergrad/grad school is one thing, paying for them is another. Working multiple jobs, navigating complex family and friend relationships, and consistently challenging self-doubt were a constant. Being seen and identified as strong, can be counterproductive at times, looking back I recognize that I was definitely dealing with undiagnosed/treated anxiety, stress, and some depressive symptoms.
Most currently, establishing and building a successful private practice has come with an array of economical challenges and obstacles.
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?
My practice has various therapeutic offerings curated to encourage and support individualized mental/emotional health with mindful awareness. I am a TN licensed clinical mental health therapist and a certified yoga instructor who is known for implementing mindfulness practices in personal life and clinical practice.
I specialize in treating symptoms of anxiety, depression, in addition to building self-trust & confidence. Offering traditional services such as talk therapy, yoga sessions, guided meditations, and self-exploration with non-traditional openness and curiosity is what sets me apart. I am most proud of my living out my purpose through my brand and clinical practice with enjoyment and authenticity. I want your readers to know that I am a student of life.
My brand encourages the validation of unique life experiences; the offerings and services are implemented with consideration for the individual’s thoughts/feelings in an effort to create progressive and sustainable outcomes. My practice creates space for you, your experiences.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I (like best) love Nashville’s “little-big town” feel, it has always felt like city adjacent living. Not too big or overwhelming and not too small, slow, and/or boring. Though this is evolving into expanding touristy areas, which is what I currently least like about our city.
Contact Info:
- Email: melaninandmindfulness@gmail.com
- Website: meandmiwellness.com
- Instagram: @meandmi_wellness
- Youtube: S & S Holistic Wellness
