Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley McAuliffe.
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started out working as an administrative assistant at a private practice while in graduate school. Initially, I was interested in going into a hospital setting, since that’s where I did my practicum, but working in a private practice showed me that this was the path I wanted to pursue. At the time, I had no idea I would end up owning a practice because that always felt way too big. Other therapists didn’t start their own practices until they were licensed with many more years of experience, and it seemed challenging to navigate the requirement of having a licensed clinician on-site until I was licensed myself.
By chance, one day I came across a provider who was renting out space, with part of the agreement being that she would guide you in starting your own practice. I applied and prayed that if it was meant to be, she’d call me back on my birthday, which fell on a Sunday. Miraculously, she did! On my way to my birthday dinner actually. Later that week, we interviewed, and I officially started my practice that March. I welcomed my first client in June 2020, and since then, I’ve been serving clients and sharpening my skills as a trauma therapist.
Recently, I’ve expanded my team and hope to grow with people who share our core values of integrity, collaboration, compassion, and authenticity. I strive to be the kind of friend, provider, mentor, and boss who lives by those values every day and I’ve been working toward that ever since.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road. Even though I had some guidance, there were so many hoops to jump through to start a business, and I often felt way in over my head. The biggest challenge was marketing and building a caseload as a new therapist fresh out of school, all while navigating the requirement of having a licensed clinician on-site. I was at another therapist’s mercy for their schedule, which made it hard to be reliable to clients. On top of that, I worked odd hours while keeping my day job as an administrative assistant.
Looking back, I am incredibly thankful for the experience and for my clients, who helped me build a caseload simply by referring me to people they knew. I feel honored to be the kind of therapist that people feel safe enough to recommend to their loved ones. Given the chance, I would do it all over again (even the hard parts) because I absolutely love what I am doing today. Taking that leap of faith early in my career allowed me to pursue my dream, and I would not trade it for anything.
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?
I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist specializing in trauma therapy. I primarily work with clients experiencing PTSD, OCD, grief and loss, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and other related challenges. I am known for my ability to connect deeply with clients. Many describe me as someone who “gets it” and communicates honestly while remaining gentle, compassionate, and caring. I truly enjoy my work, which allows me to meet clients where they are and guide them along paths I have walked myself. Having “been on the other side of the couch” helps clients feel understood and relatable support while I maintain ethical boundaries and clinical effectiveness.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the core values that guide my practice, particularly authenticity. I believe healing happens when clients can strip away the masks they have worn to survive, especially those with chronic or complex trauma histories, and learn to live in a way that is true to themselves. I strive to create a warm, accepting environment where clients feel seen, heard, and safe. I recognize that mental health can still carry stigma, and I want everyone who walks through our doors to know that their concerns matter. If a client’s needs extend beyond my scope, I take the time to connect them with the right resources to ensure they get the care they deserve.
At New Light Counseling, I help clients create meaningful, fulfilling lives while navigating challenges and growth.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is not to identify too much with being a therapist. I’m a therapist second and a human first. It’s easy to internalize challenges or take things personally, but I’ve learned to set boundaries, process my own emotions, and stay authentic even when it’s difficult. Doing so allows me to show up fully for my clients while maintaining my own well-being.
That’s why I’m the kind of therapist who continues to do my own personal work. I believe I can only guide clients through paths I’ve been willing to walk myself. By reflecting on my own story, I’m able to show up authentically grounded, present, and ready to sit with people in their own process of healing and growth.
Pricing:
- 125-175 generally
- sliding scale options available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.newlightcounselingorlando.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_lightcounselingorlando/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewLightCounselingOrlando/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105911078/
