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Meet Ashley Stafford of Stafford Healing in Fort Worth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Stafford.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a child my heroes were Jean Grey, an X-Men mutant and Dianna Troy, a Stark Trek crew member. I was awestruck that these women could use the power of their brain to save humankind! Their empathetic and nurturing interactions are superpowers, not a weakness. Perhaps that is why I always wanted to become a therapist (second to joining a group of superheroes of course). My father is a chaplain and my mother a special needs teacher and so I saw how vulnerability and compassion impacts others’ lives in real world settings.

All my education was geared towards becoming a therapist; although, my focus changed quite a bit along the way. I started with a Bachelors in Psychology, went on to get my Masters in Social work, and then spent 3 years post graduate obtaining the clinical supervision hours necessary to become a therapist in the states of Texas. Over the years I have worked with the homeless, with individuals and families in hospice care, traumatized children, and adult psychiatric patients. Finally, I have settled on couple’s therapy work and I absolutely love it.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was nervous about starting my own practice. I have a family at home and I know how important it is to be there with them. I was afraid to lose that balance. Honestly, that is always the struggle when you are in business for yourself. Despite my reservations, my husband encouraged me because he knew it was a dream of mine. So, I made myself invest money up front with marketing material and a decent web page. That way I would have to jump in the pool, so to speak, rather than just walk around it.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Stafford Healing – what should we know?
A mentor once told me “you never know what you say that can change someone’s life.” I have cherished every experience in my field and it feels like an honor to be with patients when they are frightened and vulnerable. And with that trust comes a duty too, to provide unconditional love and acceptance. I take that very seriously.

The diversity of my training and experience with a broad range of clients has uniquely prepared me to deal with whatever issues come through the door of my office. I specialize in emotionally-focused couple’s therapy and this is a newer, and frankly, better approach to working with couples. We know through multiple research studies, about 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery when they participate in this type of counseling. Historically, couples therapy has been about as effective as not going at all, so this new technique is very exciting!

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Perseverance and gratitude are the keys to success. Despite what life has to offer you, if you push through strenuous times with a practice of gratitude you will feel accomplished. I say it is a “practice of gratitude” because it takes work! There are times when we all throw ourselves a bit of a pity party and that is okay. Success and happiness is a matter of picking yourself up and moving forward.

Pricing:

  • $120 for a 60 minute individual or couples session
  • $160 for a 90 minute couples session
  • Free 15 minute phone consultations

Contact Info:


Image Credit:

Daniel Molina

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