At a glance
Best fit for: Neurodivergent youth and individuals (such as ADHD and autism), first-gen and immigrant youth, anxiety, and youth experiencing challenges with emotional regulation.
Approaches: play therapy, art therapy, CBT, DBT.
Who Am I?
Hi there! I’m Ashly (she/her/hers), and I’m a cisgendered Arab woman. I’m a licensed social worker who’s passionate about creating a safe, predictable, engaging space for children and youth of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. I bring my experience as a school social worker in the public schools to Urban Wellness. I aim for a space that’s nonjudgmental, affirming, and encouraging. I especially enjoy working with kids and youth who are neurodivergent or navigating school refusal, anxiety, executive functioning, and more.
I specialize in working with:
- Neurodivergent children
- School-age kids struggling with school refusal and anxiety
- Children and youth experiencing anxiety and depression, challenges with emotional regulation such as anger, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges
- Kids who need behavioral and social-emotional support
- Children and youth of immigrants and first-generation families
- I am excited to work with young adults as well!
How I help
I use a mix of approaches to meet each client where they are, including CBT, DBT (TIPP), psychodynamic practices, a strengths-based lens, and creativity and play. I also bring in books, self-reflection, and mindfulness. Collaboration is at the heart of my work, built on consistency, predictability, and openness. I hold a person-centered approach, which means you’re the expert on your life and I’m here to support you. I often help kids and teens through anxiety and day to day stressors or challenges.
What a session with me is like
I value a collaborative, personal approach with clear boundaries and safety. I bring warmth so our conversations can feel almost meditative, with gentle nudges toward self-reflection. I’ll follow your lead. Want to talk about your day? Do crafts? Play a game? We’ll explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, practice mindfulness, and find ways to connect to your body, at a pace that feels comfortable.
What I believe
I believe intersectionality sits at the forefront of mental and physical wellbeing and that each person deserves understanding and compassion. I believe exploring the hard stuff in our environment is part of the work and that navigating these realities is complex, but I am here to support you along the way.
A little more about me
When I’m not working, I love yoga, reading, puzzles, baking, travel, and time with friends and family. I’m eager to learn about different cultures and experiences, often through traveling or through interacting with stories by diverse voices. I love meeting new people and talking about your latest read or watch.
A few common questions
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes, I see clients virtually across Illinois, and in person at our Edison Park office.
What do you help with most?
Neurodivergent kids and youth, school refusal, anxiety, ADHD and executive functioning, and social-emotional support.
What insurance do you take?
BCBS, Optum, Aetna, and Endeavor/Northshore HMO.
- AetnaBCBS PPOEndeavor/Northshore HMOOptum/United
