Transgender Therapists in Portage, IN

Have you ever felt like your problems are too big, small, or unusual for therapy? Are you living in fear, shame, or hopelessness? I hear you. My name is Ashton, and I’m so glad you’re here. I’m an anti-oppressive, LGBTQ+-affirming provider who pulls from many different types of therapy to ensure that the care I provide is tailored to who you are as a person. My goal is to walk beside you as you build the life you want.

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed or burned out? I started Safe Haven Counseling Services to help better serve clients in Massachusetts and Indiana. My areas of specialization include OCD, gender dysphoria/LGBTQ issues, anxiety, substance abuse/addiction and recovery, dual diagnosis issues, caregiver burnout, depression and psychotic disorders. I have over 80+ hours of training in OCD/ERP combined. I have experience working in general, OCD-specific and LGBTQ-specific outpatient settings, corrections, a residential DBT program for children and adolescents ages 10-18 and residential facilities for substance use disorders.

I have been working with survivors of PTSD and trauma for some time. My working with domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape survivors has given me experience with trauma and the ramifications it has on someone's life. Currently, I have been working with veterans, from many different wars, on PTSD and how they can regain some normalcy back into their lives. I was recently trained to provide Eye Movement Desensitization Response (EMDR) which increased my capacity to assist individuals with the trauma they have endured.

I am a social worker who specializes in couples and sexual-related issues. I do a lot of work with couples around infidelity, trust and sexual issues. I spend much time helping couples overcome the aftermath of affairs and help lead them to a better relationship than they previously had. I also work with individuals with problems like depression, anxiety and loss. I do my sessions exclusively by video and phone and have done teletherapy for about five years. My style is very casual and thoughtful. And I have become very adept at doing teletherapy. I find that most of my clients prefer this format.

My first priority is to create a safe and affirming environment that will foster personal growth and allow clients to achieve their identified goals. I aim to work collaboratively with clients to empower them to step into their stories and live authentically.

It is not a coincidence that you are reading this right now. If you are, it is likely that you are deciphering whether or not to take the first step in reaching out for additional support. I commend you for taking the very first step towards change and control over your life. I believe each individual is unique; therefore, I use an integrative approach in session to best suit your personal needs. I am here to work with you in an affirmative, empathic, non-judgmental, and empowering space. You are not alone. You deserve to be heard.

I offer a focus on trauma-informed and LGBTQIA-affirmative holistic healing. I am passionate about helping all people gain clarity and feel more connected, calm, and self-compassionate. I’d love to help you meet your goals of feeling more present in the here and now, both with yourself and within your relationship(s). I specialize in working with folx who have anxiety or attachment wounds and who are motivated for change in how they relate to themselves and others. I help my clients have a deeper understanding and awareness of their emotions, thoughts, and mind-body connection.

Over the years and after receiving thousands of initial calls and emails from clients, it is clear that many are unsure of what they need or where to go. We find great pleasure in helping clients navigate this process. As a group practice we are able to provide services for a variety of needs: anxiety, addictions, pain management, depression, relationship issues, psychological testing, individual, life transitions and even helping clients who just want to live their best life! We stand out in our efforts to make this process as smooth as possible. Many providers boast about their training in a particular treatment approach (and this is important) but research suggests that the interventions are only part of the story. The fit between client and clinician, the wellbeing of the clinician, the ease of access and the experience of the treatment process matter as much, and sometimes more, than the particular treatment model used. Pillars of Wellness was founded with the hope of ensuring an ideal client-clinician fit and providing both clients and clinicians with a positive experience. We let our clinicians excel at their craft by giving them the space to create their ideal practice.

Therapy is an opportunity to be heard. I use a multi-cultural and anti-oppression framework to work with the opportunities and barriers faced by clients who hold marginalized identities, especially those within the QTIPOC community. I would be honored to walk with you and your family as you navigate sexuality, gender identity, coming out, and transitioning. I am experienced in working with adults and children on anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, parenting, relationship issues, and family conflict.