Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Gersh.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I launched my Instagram account in 2016 while living in New York City as a way to document and share my foodie experiences. From the beginning, my captions naturally incorporated mental health insights, blending reflections on emotional well-being with culinary content.
In 2017, I began graduate studies to pursue a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, continuing to post regularly to the account.
In 2020, I opened my private practice in mental health counseling and started using the platform to promote my services and connect with potential clients. Around this time, I polled my audience to see if they valued the mental health tips I had been sharing alongside my food content. The response was overwhelmingly positive, which inspired me to fully merge these two passions into a cohesive and intentional brand.
In 2023, I introduced my first “Food for Thought” video—a concept rooted in the idea that some of the most meaningful conversations happen either around the dinner table or in the therapy room. The series resonated deeply with my audience and quickly gained traction.
As of 2025, the account has grown to over 100,000 followers, reflecting the powerful intersection of food, mental health, and authentic storytelling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—and in many ways, that’s what’s made it so meaningful. When I first started merging food content with relational and emotional mental health themes, I didn’t see anyone else exploring this specific intersection. Yes, there were other mental health professionals and foodie influencers online, but no one was approaching it the way I felt called to—using food as a lens for deeper therapeutic conversations, and bringing the kinds of heart-centered discussions you might have at the dinner table into the context of counseling, and vice versa.
Because there wasn’t a clear blueprint to follow, I had to figure things out as I went. It often felt like I was navigating uncharted waters—trying to balance authenticity with professionalism, creativity with clinical integrity, and personal storytelling with educational value. There were moments of doubt, especially early on, when I questioned whether this unique blend would resonate or be taken seriously.
But over time, I found that not only was there space for this kind of work, there was real hunger for it—no pun intended. That encouragement helped me keep pushing forward, even when the path wasn’t fully clear.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Action Ashley?
I’m the founder and owner of Action Ashley, a mental health counseling practice where I specialize in helping clients navigate grief—whether that’s the loss of a loved one, the pain of relational endings, or the complex emotions that come with family estrangement. I support clients in working through these experiences using a compassionate and grounded approach, and I’m trained as an ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) practitioner, which means I help people make sense of their concerns through a lens that emphasizes values, mindfulness, and meaningful action.
What truly sets my work apart is the blend of clinical skill and creativity I bring to every session—as well as to my online presence. My Food for Thought Instagram Reels are a great example of this: they combine mental health reflections with moments of everyday eating, capturing the kinds of honest, meaningful conversations that often unfold over meals or in therapy. That creative expression isn’t just a strategy—it’s an authentic extension of who I am. I’ve always approached mental health through a relational and relatable lens, using storytelling, humor, and food to make emotional wellness feel more accessible and less intimidating. Being human first—before titles or roles—has always been central to how I connect with both my clients and my broader community.
I’m most proud that I’ve stayed true to that vision while growing a brand that not only offers therapeutic services but also creates space for emotional wellness through content that resonates with everyday people. Whether it’s in a counseling room or on Instagram, my goal is to bridge the gap between mental health education and real-life connection.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One resource I genuinely enjoy is the Call Her Daddy podcast, particularly the episodes where host Alex Cooper explores breakups and emotional healing with her guests. These conversations are filled with female empowerment, vulnerability, and real-life strategies for navigating endings—both romantic and relational. I find a lot of value in the way those stories are shared and processed publicly; they often echo the kind of emotional work I support in my own practice.
When it comes to books, I believe in fully unplugging from work, so I love winding down with a good read on the beach—it’s one of the ways I protect my own mental health and recharge creatively.
As a private practice owner, it’s easy to feel isolated at times, so staying connected to mentors, colleagues, and peers in the mental health field is essential. These relationships offer both personal support and professional perspective, helping me feel grounded in the work while continuing to grow in community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.actionashley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatfoodietherapist/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treatyoselfwithashley
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-gersh-lmhc-092a90122/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thatfoodietherapist
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/actionashleyofficial
Image Credits
I have the rights to use all of these photos 🙂
