Ashley G Casas Pineda

LPC

The first session is focused on getting to know you, understanding what brings you to therapy, and helping you feel comfortable in the process. Starting counseling can feel vulnerable, so we move at a pace that feels supportive and manageable for you. During the session, we’ll talk about your current concerns, stressors, relationships, emotional experiences, and what you hope to gain from therapy. My approach is conversational and collaborative, not overwhelming or overly clinical. The goal is to better understand your experiences while beginning to identify meaningful areas of focus and support. For teens, the first session may include time with just the parent or both the parent and teen, to gather information, discuss concerns, and begin establishing goals together. By the end of the first session, you can expect to have a clearer understanding of the therapy process, what working together may look like, and possible next steps moving forward. Most importantly, the first session is about creating a supportive foundation where you feel heard, respected, and understood.

My approach to therapy is collaborative and grounded in practical support. I believe therapy should provide both a safe space for reflection and meaningful tools that help clients navigate everyday life with greater clarity and confidence. I work from an evidence-based and developmentally informed perspective, drawing from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), emotional regulation skill-building, and play therapy principles when appropriate. Together, we focus on increasing emotional awareness, understanding patterns in thoughts and behaviors, strengthening coping skills, and developing sustainable strategies for managing stress, anxiety, transitions, and relational challenges. I value creating a therapeutic environment that feels supportive, respectful, and nonjudgmental while also encouraging growth, insight, and meaningful progress at a pace that feels manageable for each individual.