Ashley Zajacs
LCSW
authentic. welcoming. curious. creative. conscientious
(she/her)
Remote in Pennsylvania
A quick note about finding your therapist at TC:
We have a dedicated intake team to examine what you are seeking as a client. While there may be a certain modality, such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) you are seeking, please note that ALL OF TC’s THERAPISTS practice with these modalities in mind, though liberation psychology calls upon many different forms of therapy and does not limit itself to one or two modalities.
Clients often come with a particular therapist in mind– however, availability may be limited and many times there’s another clinician (therapist) who actually suits their needs even better.
Please trust the process.
💛 Transitional Characters 💛
Specialities
(not limited to these)
Somatic Abolitionism
EMDR
ADHD
Autism
Grief and Loss
Childhood and Familial Trauma
Birth Trauma
Perinatal Mental HealthDepression
Anxiety and Phobias
Relationship Difficulties
Life Transitions
Difficulties with Self-Esteem
Eating Issues
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Stress Management
Sexual Abuse
Spirituality
Gender Identity Support
LGBT Counseling
and more
Services Offered
Individual Therapy
Remote Therapy
Insurance Accepted
Highmark
UPMC
United
Aetna
Private Pay: $150-200Sliding Scale: $75-125
(if client qualifies)
What to expect from me
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.
What I’m Passionate About
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.
My Therapy Style
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.
Who I Work With
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.
Me When I’m Not Being a Therapist
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.
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.