Ashley Shober

Hi! I am licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland with 5 years of professional work experience after licensing. I’ve predominantly worked with children, teens, and transitional aged youth as well as their families. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQIA+ related issues/life events, relationship issues, trauma, and family conflicts. I hold a few beliefs in my practice that play a major factor in how I provide services: You are the expert on you. And for that reason, I encourage those I work with to actively share their thoughts on interventions and information we learn in session, especially if something doesn’t feel like it personally fit with them. With honesty, vulnerability, and curiosity we can explore further to better understand and work with your sense of self. Not every approach works for everybody. I am well trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) / Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), and Integral Family Systems (IFS) therapy to name a few. For many people I’ve worked with, we have blended a few of these models based on what is needed at the moment. And especially given my background working with a wide demographic range (age, race, culture, belief, interest, etc.), I have adapted key concepts and skills to multiple learning and engagement styles. If the way we are working on something doesn’t fit or click with you, I’ll be happy to work with you to find a way what will. This is your treatment; you set the focus, the agenda, the pace. Designing person-centered treatment is what I do best. While I might suggest goals and a plan of action it is up to you whether that is the path we take. It’s my job to help you on your journey of growth and discovery, and to support you when we reach those moments of growth that are uncomfortable. But at the end of the day, I take my cues from you so we can work with your system and not against it. I am committed to work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change and a better understanding of self. I would be honored to support and empower you in that journey.