Meet Ashley Broderick | Mental Health Therapist, LCSW

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Broderick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what principle do you value most?
The value that I find the most essential in my work and my personal life is the importance of human relationships. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General reported that the United States is facing a loneliness and isolation epidemic, which after facing a period of social isolation in the global pandemic shows the importance of human connection and relationships. In my work as a clinical social worker I have found the most significant aspect of success and positive outcomes in any therapeutic experience is the therapeutic relationship. Throughout my own life, I have personally experienced the most impactful change and healing through meaningful and authentic relationships. I believe that the power of holding a safe space for others to feel seen and heard is one of the most rewarding opportunities in life and to be able to intertwine this value in my work and in my personal relationships has been such a gift.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have a therapy private practice that is located in Orange County and I also offer telehealth services for individuals throughout the state of California. Having the ability to provide telehealth therapy to individuals throughout the state not only allows for opportunities for growth in my practice, but also provides mental health services to individuals that may be in areas with minimal access to services or areas that would require a significant commute to attend services. There are many barriers that people face when pursuing mental health services, including access within their immediate area, access to transportation, being able to regularly attend therapy sessions while juggling the many responsibilities of life, and the ability to find therapy services with clinicians that have areas of specialty that best meet each individual’s needs. The importance and value of reducing barriers to treatment is something that is incredibly important to me and the opportunity to provide telehealth services allows for me to reduce some of these barriers for people.

While my areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, life transitions, history of trauma, relationship issues, and women’s issues, I have experience working with individuals who have diverse backgrounds and concerns that bring them to therapy and I work to tailor my approach to meet each individual’s needs to address their specific goals. I work with adult clients within varying life stages. I tend to have a more casual and client-centered style and strive to provide a warm and empathetic environment, while also bringing humor and playfulness into my relationship with clients. While my treatment approach ranges from solution-focused to psychodynamic perspective, while implementing an eclectic approach to best meet each client’s individual needs, I incorporate attachment theory and feminist theory, as well as humanistic, emotionally-focused, and existential perspectives, quite frequently in my work when applicable. My ultimate goal is to create a warm, gentle, and non-judgmental space so each client feels comfortable sharing what is on their minds and what is in their hearts.

Prior to private practice, I have worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, school-based services, drug and alcohol in-patient treatment, and group practice settings. All of these have provided me with wonderful experiences and assisted me in cultivating a range of skill sets. One of the reasons in which I made the decision to begin private practice was to work in a setting that allowed me the space and freedom to ensure that my work aligned with my values and beliefs.

One of the aspects of becoming a mental health care provider where there is significant room for growth is within the psychoeducation of how to build a thriving private practice and run a small business, which can make the process confounding for many therapists. I have been blessed throughout this process of having colleagues and mentors that I can turn to for guidance, mentorship, and support while navigating this process. The process of building my own practice has reminded me over and over again that none of us, whether personally or professionally, exist within a silo and we thrive as individuals and businesses when we support and lift eachother up.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am incredibly detail-oriented so the idea of creating an itinerary makes me giddy! One of the things I love about Los Angeles is the diversity in individuals, cultures, interests, and landscapes and with that comes a range of opportunities to learn, grow, and explore. Some of my favorite activities include attending live sporting events and shows so any trip to Los Angeles would have to include a hockey game at Crypto Arena when the Los Angeles Kings are playing the Anaheim Ducks. I really enjoy seeing comedy shows at The Comedy Store, or attending a concert at one of the many live music venues in Los Angeles, such as The Hollywood Bowl, The Belasco, The Wiltern, The Troubadour, or the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Los Angeles is known for its incredible food scene so no trip to Los Angeles would be complete without exploring different restaurants. Two of my favorite places to go are Cocorenos Mexican Restaurant and The Library Coffee House, which are both in Long Beach on East Broadway. I also enjoy being active and spending time outdoors so I would also want to spend some time exploring one of the many beautiful hiking trails. There are just so many opportunities at your fingertips in Los Angeles!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My long, and at times arduous process, of becoming a therapist has been one that could not have existed in a silo and has been profoundly impacted by the love, support, mentorship, and encouragement of quite a few individuals. I would not be who I am today and where I am in my life if it were not for the love and support of my family, partner, and friends. Also having the love and cuddles from my dog, Reggie, has been vital in the moments that have felt overwhelming and stressful.

I have been incredibly lucky to have some amazing clinical supervisors, mentors, professors, and professional colleagues that have influenced and helped shape the clinician I am today and the path of my career so far. Two of the books that have greatly shaped my work as a therapist are The Gift of Therapy by Irvin D. Yalom and Sometimes Therapy is Awkward by Nicole Artz, which both give voice to the intricacies of the therapeutic process and also highlight the importance of the therapeutic alliance.

When we think of therapy our first thought tends to be that of the intended purpose of the work, which is the growth and progress of the client. A wonderful bonus that I have found in my career so far has been to have the opportunity to be witness to my clients’ strength, courage, growth and progress over the years. This truly has been such an honor and has greatly contributed to my growth and evolution as a therapist.

Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ashley-broderick-irvine-ca/1183246

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybroderick81/