Meet Your Therapist

Ashley Hudgens, LCMHCA

Hi, I’m Ashley Hudgens — Therapist for children, teens & adults who are tired of feeling anxious, stuck, or not enough.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in North Carolina and earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University in 2023. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of working in a private practice setting, supporting children, teens and young adults through some of their most challenging seasons. That experience gave me a strong foundation — and now, I’m excited to continue this work in my own practice, where I can offer personalized, compassionate care to the clients I feel most called to help.

  • Like many of the clients I work with, I’ve had my own struggles with anxiety, people-pleasing, and setting boundaries.

    Through my own healing, I found the tools that helped me feel more grounded, more confident, and more me. Now, I’m passionate about helping others do the same — not by forcing change, but by offering a space where it’s safe to be real, explore the hard stuff, and start choosing yourself without guilt.

    A little about me outside the therapy room: I’m almost always drinking iced coffee (yes, even in winter), listening to music or a podcast — Morbid is my current obsession — or browsing the shelves at a local bookstore. I love spending time with my friends, family, and my two dogs: a chaotic husky and a tiny but fierce miniature dachshund. I’m a big believer that therapists should go to therapy (shoutout to mine), and I’ve seen firsthand how connection and community can create powerful healing.

  • I believe that you are the expert on your own life. I value your inner wisdom and take a collaborative approach to therapy, where we work together to make sense of your experiences and move toward what feels right for you.

    I blend trauma-informed care with evidence-based tools, including:

    • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to help challenge and reframe negative thoughts

    • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to build emotional regulation and communication skills

    • Mindfulness to slow things down and get out of survival mode

    • Creative and expressive strategies (yes, art and imagination are welcome here!)

    Every session is tailored to you — what you’re going through, what feels hard, and what kind of support you need that day.

  • My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and focused on what actually helps. We might be a good fit if you’re looking for someone who’s laid-back, honest, and doesn’t shy away from the occasional swear word. I show up as a real human — not a blank slate — and I believe therapy works best when there’s a genuine relationship. I’ll gently challenge you, always with respect for your inner wisdom. My space is low-key and cozy, and yes, I’ll probably be in jeans and a t-shirt.