About Me
Ashley Lanier-Pszczola, LMFT
As a therapist, I believe in growing through what you go through. The truth is that life can throw a lot of things our way, and leave us feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. Therapy should be a space where you can feel validated in the complexity of what you're experiencing, and learn how to grow through that experience to feel more grounded and centered in your life, goals, and values.
I understand the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and the importance that the right therapeutic fit has to the client’s ultimate success. I take a very collaborative approach with my clients and I check in with my clients consistently to make sure they feel they are making progress towards their goals and working on the things that are important to them in therapy, while also feeling heard, understood, and supported.
I believe the real work of therapy often happens between sessions, so in addition to listening to clients with empathy, I also encourage clients to practice skills and strategies throughout their week. I draw from a variety of evidence-based therapy modalities including ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), DBT skills (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and Systemic Family Therapy.
I am a metro Atlanta native, and feel lucky to provide high quality, specialized therapy services in my community. When I'm not working, I have one rambunctious toddler and two high energy cattle dogs who keep me on my toes! I love reading, crocheting, plants, coffee, and a good documentary or reality TV show.
It is an honor and a privilege to play a small part in positive change in the lives of others, and as a therapist I look forward to this every day. I truly believe that I have the best job ever!
Read below to find out more about my education and experience as a therapist. To find out more about specific and evidence-based types of therapy I provide, please visit the Services page.
Experience
I have worked with individuals, parents, and families in person and via telehealth in outpatient/private practice settings, community-based settings, and residential settings.
I have experience collaborating with schools to create IEPs and 504 plans with appropriate educational accommodations for children and teens advocating for their mental health needs.
I have specific training and experience working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, etc. (LGBTQ+) clients of all ages and families, as well as BIPOC clients and families.
In 2019, I participated in the development of an adolescent residential treatment program, where I created and implemented all of the adolescent family services, including parent workshops, multi-family groups, and parent support group programming. Because of this experience, I have specific knowledge and enjoy working with teens and families of teens who are transitioning home from a residential treatment program or therapeutic boarding school.
Recently, I worked in a specialty group private practice in Atlanta where I was able to hone in my skills on working with clients struggling with OCD, anxiety, and related disorders.
Specialized Trainings and Certifications
I have received advanced clinical trainings in the following diagnoses/treatment areas:
Family Therapy
Master's of Marriage and Family Therapy from a COAMFTE accredited program
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
International Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Foundation (IOCDF) Behavioral Treatments Training Institute, Pediatric (Completed March 2024)
IOCDF Online Consultation Group - General Adult OCD (Completed Spring 2022)
Member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) https://iocdf.org/providers/lanier-pszczola-ashley/
Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB) / Skin-Picking, Hair Pulling
Completed the TLC Foundation Virtual Training Institute (Completed late 2020)
Insomnia
CBT-i (CBT for Insomnia)
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Completed Beck Institute's 8 hour Essential CBT Course - December 2020
I am a Clinical Fellow member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT), and I am an AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate.
Public Speaking/Workshops
“Intro to OCD in Children and Adolescents – What Therapists Need to Know." Professional/CEU 3hr workshop.
"Gen-Z and Therapy: Competent Care for Teens and Tweens in 2023." Professional/CEU 6hr workshop.
"Gen-Z and Therapy: Competent Care for Teens in 2023." Professional/CEU presentation presented virtually at the Georgia Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (GAMFT) Spring Symposium.
"Is It All Really Mom’s Fault? Mother Blaming in Therapy." Professional/CEU presentation Presented virtually at the Georgia Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (GAMFT) Spring Symposium 2022.
"Becoming One Treatment Team: Involving the Family in your Work with Teens and Young Adults." Professional/CEU Presentation 5hrs, presented at Skyland Trail’s virtual CE Series, Atlanta, GA, 2020.
Education
M.S., Marriage and Family Therapy
Valdosta State University
2017
B.A., Psychology with a minor in Sociology
Valdosta State University
2015