Our February Counselor Spotlight: Ashli King

Ashli King is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Tree of Life Counseling & Consulting dedicated to supporting individuals in their journey toward emotional well-being, self-discovery, and personal growth. We spoke with Ashli to learn more about the experiences that shaped her choice to become a counselor, mental health coping strategies, and how to help you achieve a more intentional and empowered life. 

Ashli King at the Tree of Life Office

First off, Ashli, I would love to hear more about your background - what led you to become a counselor? Were there specific moments in life that prompted you to pursue this path? 

My original career path was in physical therapy, but when I had to return home to St. Martinville, Louisiana, to care for my father during his battle with cancer, my plans were put on hold. After some time at home and job attempts that were unfulfilling in Acadiana, I eventually landed a job as a Mental Health Technician at a substance abuse facility. That experience opened my eyes to the possibility of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Having witnessed firsthand the impact of substance use on my own loved ones, I wanted to deepen my understanding and be a source of support for others struggling with their mental health. After my father’s passing, pursuing a career as a licensed counselor felt like the perfect opportunity to transform my pain into purpose.

I’ve noticed from your bio you love working with all age groups as a counselor. What experiences led you to want to work with such a wide variety of clients - from toddlers to adults?

I enjoy working with clients across the entire lifespan, drawing from my diverse experiences in both undergraduate and graduate training. During my undergraduate internship at the Baton Rouge Area Alcohol and Drug Center and my graduate studies at Southern University and A&M College, I sought out opportunities to gain experience in multiple settings.

I pushed myself to work in various areas, interning as a School Counselor at Park Elementary School in Baton Rouge and later at a geriatric psychiatric inpatient facility while interning at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. After earning my master’s degree, I became a Functional Family Therapist, providing in-home therapy to families across several parishes. This role allowed me to deliver quality care to individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and developmental stages, strengthening my ability to adapt, assist, and support clients at every phase of life.

Tree of Life is the only multicultural counseling practice in the Acadiana region - can you tell me why it was so important you brought your talent to this team specifically?

Working at a multicultural counseling practice was important to me because I wanted to be in an environment that prioritizes cultural competence and provides quality care to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Cultural awareness and competence create opportunities to serve populations that may face discrimination, including racism, ableism, ageism, classism, cisgenderism, and nationalism.

I was intentional about working in a space that reflects the diversity of the world around me and one that values inclusion and acknowledges the importance of representation in mental health care.

Is there any content you would recommend to those looking to celebrate or learn about mental health best practices? IE: Books, Podcasts, Movies, Documentaries, etc.

In therapy, when we refer to beneficial content that supports healing, we call it bibliotherapy. Bibliotherapy is a valuable tool that connects individuals to creative and insightful resources that can help them process their mental health experiences.

If you or someone you know is experiencing grief, I recommend Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. This book explores the profound relationship between Mitch and his former college professor, Morrie, who shares life lessons as he faces a terminal illness. It offers deep reflections on loss, meaning, and the importance of human connection.

For adult clients struggling with challenging relationships with their parents, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents is an excellent resource. With growing research on adult children disconnecting from parents due to unhealthy dynamics, this book provides insight into recognizing emotionally immature behaviors, setting boundaries, and fostering personal healing.

If you’re looking for a faith-based approach alongside therapy, I recommend Therapy & Theology by Lysa TerKeurst, available as both a podcast and YouTube series. This resource blends biblical principles with cognitive-based therapeutic approaches to address trust issues, shame, trauma, betrayal, and navigating difficult or destructive relationships through the lens of scripture.

What’s the most impactful thing you’ve learned on your own mental health journey, and what advice would you give to others considering beginning their own? 

The most impactful lesson I’ve learned on my own mental health journey is that you can’t outrun the dark spaces. These are the parts of ourselves we instinctively want to avoid and the places that feel easier to hide, suppress, or ignore. But true healing begins when we confront them, examining every aspect of ourselves with honesty and intention. It’s about recognizing what serves us, what needs improvement, and what irrational or dysfunctional thought patterns must be released to step into our most actualized selves and the best version of who we are capable of becoming.

For a successful healing journey, my biggest piece of advice is this: you hold the power. If you’re considering therapy, know that you have the right to advocate for yourself and shape the direction of your counseling experience. Your therapist should act as a co-pilot in the process, offering genuineness, empathy, and unwavering support while also ensuring you feel valued, heard, and safe in a space designed for your growth.

Final question - what key details can you share about the mental health services you offer and the methodology behind them? 

I offer a range of mental health services, including grief counseling, treatment for depression, support for anxiety and panic attacks, as well as guidance through life transitions, adjustments, and anger management. Additionally, I provide spiritual and faith-based counseling for those who wish to integrate their beliefs into the healing process.

In my approach, I utilize Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to help clients identify, challenge, and reframe irrational beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and unhealthy behaviors. I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist clients in recognizing and restructuring negative thought patterns that impact their mental and emotional well-being. My goal is to provide a supportive and empowering space where individuals can develop healthier coping strategies and achieve meaningful personal growth.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful responses, Ashli.  Book a consultation with Ashli personally, and learn more about Tree of Life Counseling and Counseling today!