Ashley Valentino
Ashley Valentino
Counseling Intern
She/Her/Hers
Life is a journey to be experienced. Not a problem to be solved.
-Winnie the Pooh
I chose this quote from Winnie the Pooh, a beloved character from the classic children’s series, as a meaningful representation of the therapeutic values I aim to embody as a therapist. As a child, Winnie the Pooh was a comforting presence, with my parents often reading the stories to me at bedtime. Now, as an adult, I have a deeper appreciation for the timeless messages this beloved character has shared with families for generations.
This quote particularly resonates with me and my ultimate objective as a beginning therapist. Many people have the preconceived notion that therapy only serves to fix a definitive problem, or to resolve some internal character “flaw”. I want to help my clients experience their lives with the mindset of self-compassion and acceptance. Although I hope to empower my clients to instill adaptive changes in their lives and enhance their experiences, encouraging my clients to truly be in the present moment, without judgment or attempting to escape, then I feel I would have succeeded as a therapist.
Feelings of worry, sadness, and insecurity can leave us feeling stuck, as if trapped with no way out. My goal is to help individuals build the tools they need to climb out of that place. Since worry and fear often focus on the past or future, I guide clients toward present-focused awareness, helping them live in the “here and now” instead of feeling trapped in the “there and then.” Together, we’ll work on recognizing how these emotions manifest, such as a racing heart, and develop skills to accept these experiences while practicing calm and relaxation.
I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Counseling at Stockton University, where I also earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in mental health. The field of psychology, specifically mental health and emotional wellness, has been a primary focus in my academic journey. Drawing from my own years of experience as a client in mental health therapy, I am deeply committed to helping others reclaim control over their worry and sadness, empowering them to live as their most authentic selves. Through the power of therapy, I have learned how to gain control over my own worry and maintain good mental health. I identify as a bisexual woman, and I am furthermore dedicated to empowering LGBTQIA+ individuals to advocate for themselves and foster self-acceptance/compassion in their daily lives.
I have experience working with autistic children to help them establish language communication, social/emotional, and basic cognitive skills in the school setting. This two-year experience has prepared me to support people of a large variety of ages that are struggling. I thrive in supporting teenagers and young adults who want to reduce the weight of their worries and create space for happiness to flourish in their lives.
My greatest hope for people who choose to work with me is that, by the end of our time together, they feel a newfound sense of personal empowerment within their lives. Throughout our time together, individuals will first practice identifying their emotions as they come up in the present-moment. We will work collaboratively to accept such emotions as they are while also using several strategies to promote relaxation, self-soothing, and tolerance of the uncomfortable feelings. We will work to sharpen these skills together, and other accompanying concerns can then be worked through, such as relationship or workplace issues.
Outside of the counseling space, I really enjoy reading fantasy novels with magic-filled world building. My favorite novels are Six of Crows and The Priory of the Orange Tree. I also find comfort and calmness taking walks at some of my favorite locations that allow me to feel connected to nature. The Ocean City beach is one place where I really enjoy taking a stroll by the sea.
Ages: 13+
Counseling Location: Voorhees, New Jersey in Person and Online Counseling in New Jersey
Specialties: DBT
Mental Health Experience: Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+
Clients: Individuals (Adults & Teens,) Seeking Counseling in New Jersey
