GET TO KNOW your therapist

Ashly Alabawy, LSW

she/her

“Life is an adventure to be embraced with an open mind and loving heart.” – Bernadine Evaristo

Insurances I Accept:

  • BCBS

Ages I work with:

  • 3+

Languages I speak:

  • English

Who Am I?

Hi there! I’m Ashly, my pronouns are she/her/hers and I am a cisgendered Arab woman. I am a licensed social worker who is passionate about creating a safe, predictable, and engaging environment for children and youth from all backgrounds, of all abilities, and identities. I bring my expertise from public schools working as a school social worker to Urban Wellness! I strive to create a space that is nonjudgmental, affirming, and encouraging of one’s overall experience. I enjoy working with children and youth who are neurodivergent, have challenges with school refusal, anxiety, executive functioning, and more.

I love working with:

  • Neurodivergent children
  • School-age children struggling with school refusal and anxiety
  • Children and youth experiencing grief, depression, ADHD and executive functioning challenges
  • Children seeking behavior and social emotional support
  • Children and youth of immigrants/first generation.
  • Additionally, I am interested in applying my expertise and skills to working with young adults.

Some of my favorite approaches include:

I strive to use a multitude of approaches in order to meet the unique needs of each client seeking support. This may include CBT, DBT (TIPP), psychodynamic practices, a strengths-based lens, creativity/play. I also enjoy including books, self-reflection, and mindfulness into my practice. Additionally, collaboration is at the heart of my approach and at the root of this is consistency, predictability, and a willingness to be open.

HOW I HELP

I approach connecting with individuals with a deep understanding and lens towards everyday challenges and ongoing societal constraints. I want you to be included in the process towards your overall wellbeing. I strive to develop a strong therapeutic relationship that feels safe and collaborative. I aim to understand all backgrounds, sexual orientations, cultures, and gender identities and believe this is an ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of unique individuals. I bring an understanding that the therapeutic relationship includes a person-centered approach; which means I welcome all of your thoughts and feelings and believe you are the expert in your life;I am here to support you. I am here to talk through your experiences and land in a place where you feel accepted and empowered.

Beliefs section

I believe that intersectionality is at the forefront of overall mental and physical wellbeing and that navigating these realities is complex.

I believe that navigating the hard stuff in the environment we exist in is integral in the work we do, therefore each person should be met with understanding and compassion.

I believe small wins are BIG wins!

What it’s like in a session with me

In sessions I value a collaborative and personal approach that also prioritizes professional boundaries and safety. I strive to bring a warmth to the therapeutic relationship that allows our conversations to feel like a light meditative session, while offering gentle nudges towards self reflection. I take into account the balance between real-life constraints and internal barriers, we can work together to build a path towards coping – one that feels attainable and meaningful. Overall, I will follow your lead: Do you want to talk about your day? Do crafts? Play a game? In this process we will explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. We can practice mindfulness and find ways to connect to our physical self. We can navigate the complexities of day to day stressors and challenges or whatever makes you feel comfortable that day.

More about me

When I am not working, I love to do yoga, read, puzzle, bake, travel, and spend time with my friends and family. I am eager to learn about different cultures and experiences and do so by traveling or watching, listening, and reading stories created by diverse voices. I love meeting new people and sparking up conversations about your most current read or watch! Lately, I have enjoyed exploring and learning about nature; especially wetlands. Connecting with nature is something I hope to grow a deeper sense of understanding with as I strengthen my spiritual self!

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule your first appointment. For follow up appointments (existing clients), please contact your therapist at 773-774-4444.