About Ashley Harris

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My Story

Hey there!

I’m Ashley Harris (she/her) – a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Meredith College and my Master of Social Work from North Carolina State University. Before starting my private practice, I worked in community-based mental health, providing both outpatient therapy and in-home counseling for youth and their families as well as adults.

Professionally

I help clients navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, and perinatal mental health concerns, supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges—from fertility, postpartum, and parenting stress to trauma recovery, relationship changes, and career or college-related stressors. I work with men, women, teens, fellow clinicians, and educators (including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ clients) to build emotional resilience, self-compassion, and balance in their daily lives.

My approach is humanistic and person-centered, grounded in empathy and collaboration. I strive to create a nonjudgmental space where clients can show up as their authentic selves. 

I am trained in Perinatal Mental Health as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Eco-systemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT). 

Personally

Growing up, I was often one of the few Black children in my social circles and never quite fit into a single box. I remember being asked, “What are you mixed with?” and hearing, “You’re not Black enough,” “You talk White,” or “You speak well for a Black person.” Those experiences left me feeling unseen and unsure of where I belonged, and they sparked my curiosity about identity and how the messages we receive from others shape the way we see ourselves.

Coming from a diverse family background, I witnessed how racial disparities and generational trauma can shape families. As a teen, I saw my mother survive a life-threatening domestic violence incident and rebuild our lives as a single parent. Later, I survived my own abusive relationship, deepening my understanding of resilience, healing, and the cyclical nature of trauma.

These experiences inspired me to become a therapist and create a space where others — especially those from diverse or underserved backgrounds — can feel seen, valued, and supported in their healing and growth.

Outside of work, I love reading, crafting, being outdoors and gardening, spending time with family and friends, playing with my dogs, and traveling.

License & Credentials:

  • NC LCSW - C012333    
  • NC LCSW Clinical Supervisor
  • NC LCMHC Qualified Supervisor - #QS156367 

Associations:

  • Postpartum Support International    
  • EMDR International Association 



You will bloom many, many times throughout your life.

I Bloom

I engage in continued learning to strengthen my therapeutic knowledge and skills. I review data and information to explore what works best for the clients I work with. 

You Bloom

Beneath this is the statement: You are an individual choosing to show up in a therapeutic space with me where you are encouraged to be your authentic self without fear of judgment.

We Bloom

Beneath this is the statement: When my clients grow and bloom, I grow and bloom too. Working together helps them discover a sense of self that is empowered. Through our transformative time together, I get to see their successes as well as see my mark on the world.

Disclaimer: While Ready To Bloom Counseling, PLLC provides licensed mental health therapy in the state of N.C., the website of Ready To Bloom Counseling, PLLC should not be used as a replacement for therapy with a licensed professional. While Ready To Bloom Counseling, PLLC does provide resources and information, any resources/information is to be used in conjunction with, not in replacement of, therapy/counseling with a licensed professional. In the event of a psychological/physical emergency or safety concern, call 911 immediately. While Ready To Bloom Counseling, PLLC providers are licensed therapists, use of this website does not equate to a therapist-client relationship with providers at Ready To Bloom Counseling, PLLC.