Madison Counseling

“People start to heal the moment they feel heard.” - Cheryl Richardson

Ashley Smith, LPC-S

769-231-9914 | Ashley@MadisonCounseling.org

Current Clients: Click Here to Schedule

About Me

I have been a licensed professional counselor since 2005, and have professional experience working with children, teens, adults, and their families as they walk through divorce, grief, anxiety, parenting, school issues, bullying, food allergies, family changes, marital problems, and any other challenge that impacts the family.

I have always been amazed at the complexity of our humanity, and how people can face adversity with such strength. Having participated in counseling as a child myself, I know firsthand the incredible, life-changing impact the therapeutic relationship can have on children. I became a counselor because I believe that every life has an inherent, priceless worth, and it is my honor to walk alongside others as they discover how invaluable they truly are not only to themselves but also to the lives of others.

I have been married since 1999, and my husband and I have two children - a son in college and a daughter in high school.

Therapeutic Approach

As a client-centered counselor, my approach is flexible to meet the specific needs of my clients. I provide counseling through both traditional talk therapy and through play. My theoretical orientation is primarily informed by Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), Adlerian Play Therapy (AdPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the Gottman Method.

It is my goal to provide the highest quality counseling services in an environment that maintains the highest Christian principles. I aim to promote a respectful and safe place for all people, of all faiths, to find help for whatever issues they may face.

Areas of Focus:

  • ADHD, Oppositional Defiance, School Issues
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety and Fears
  • Chronic Illness and Allergies
  • Depression and Mood Swings
  • Family and Parenting
  • Grief
  • Obsessive Compulsive Thoughts
  • Panic Attacks
  • Personal Growth, Self-Care, and Self Compassion
  • Personal and Family Adjustments
  • Stress Reduction

Insurance Accepted:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield - any state including federal and state employees
  • Self-Pay

Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts – University of Southern Mississippi
  • Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Therapy – Reformed Theological Seminary

License & Certifications:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Board Qualified Supervisor (LPC-S)
  • Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
  • Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH)
  • Completed Level 1 and Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Completed Advanced Sandtray Training
  • Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider

Professional Experience:

  • Working in private practice since 2017
  • Provided individual, group, and family therapy for at risk preschoolers, elementary, middle, junior high, high school students, and adults at two Mississippi mental health centers
  • Served as Clinical Director of a School Day Program
  • Contributed articles on parenting and family to a wellness magazine
  • Taught an Introduction to Psychology course at a local Community College
  • Currently provide clinical supervision to Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselors (P-LPC) and graduate students