Leslie Ashman

About Leslie

With over 25 years of clinical experience, Leslie Ashman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who supports adolescents, young adults, adults, and families through life’s emotional and developmental challenges. Leslie earned her undergraduate degree in Family Studies and her MSW from the University of Maryland. She holds licensure in the state of Maryland as both a clinical social worker and a clinical supervisor.

Leslie’s background includes extensive experience in both private and public school settings, along with more than two decades of clinical work in private practice. This dual perspective allows her to deeply understand the intersection of educational, emotional, and mental health needs, particularly for teens and their families navigating complex systems.

Leslie is known for creating a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. Her work focuses on helping clients improve insight, coping strategies, and functioning in relationships and daily life. She works with individuals across the lifespan and has a particular interest in helping clients recognize and shift patterns in communication, relationships, and self-perception.

Leslie believes that successful therapy is built on trust, collaboration, and a client’s readiness to explore challenges with honesty and curiosity. She is committed to ongoing professional development and stays current with the latest research and best practices in the field of social work and mental health. She is a member of several professional organizations and regularly participates in training and supervision to enhance her skills and knowledge.

Learn About My Approach

Therapeutic Approach

My Approach to Therapy

I take an eclectic and individualized approach to therapy, grounded in evidence-based practices and shaped by each client’s specific goals and needs. My style is warm, collaborative, and practical, aimed at helping clients gain insight, build coping skills, and foster lasting change. I integrate a range of modalities to support emotional growth, healthy relationships, and improved daily functioning.

My Training

I received specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through the Beck Institute, with a specific focus on working with youth experiencing depression and anxiety. CBT is a structured, skills-based approach that helps clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected — and how to shift patterns that are no longer serving them.

Growth-Focused

The therapeutic relationship is a unique and powerful part of the healing process. In our work together, we’ll focus on increasing self-awareness, identifying patterns that may be limiting your growth, and exploring new ways of relating to yourself and others. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, emotional challenges, or long-standing patterns, therapy can help you gain clarity, strengthen your coping strategies, and move toward a more fulfilling and authentic life.

"I think of psychotherapy as the practice of engaging in training and healing the mind through a relational experience with a mental health professional. I believe that everyone has the capacity for change, growth, and healing, especially in the presence of a practitioner who is able to hold an attuned, non-judgmental, and containing safe space."

Services

Individual Therapy

I offer individual therapy for adolescents, young adults, and adults who are navigating a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on helping clients better understand themselves, build effective coping strategies, and make meaningful changes in their lives.

Family & Parent Support

I work closely with parents and families to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and support emotional and behavioral growth. Family sessions may include joint meetings with caregivers and children, or parent-only coaching focused on implementing strategies at home. I aim to help families feel more connected, confident, and equipped to manage challenges together.

Teen and Young Adult

Therapy with teens and young adults centers on helping them manage stress, cope with anxiety or depression, and build a stronger sense of self. I work to create a respectful, supportive space where young people feel heard and involved in their own treatment process. This phase of life comes with unique pressures — therapy can help them build resilience, develop healthy relationships, and navigate important life transitions.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy provides a supportive space to navigate emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. Through our work together, clients often experience:

Improved communication and stronger relationships with family and peers
Greater emotional regulation and resilience in the face of stress, anxiety, or depression
Increased self-awareness, motivation, and confidence in pursuing meaningful goals
Healthier decision-making and reduction in harmful or self-sabotaging behaviors

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer in-person and virtual sessions?

Yes, I offer both in-person therapy and teletherapy options to accommodate your preferences and needs.

How do I know if therapy is right for me or my teen?

If you or your teen are struggling with emotions, relationships, or life transitions, therapy can help. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your concerns and see if I’m a good fit for your needs.

What age groups do you work with?

I work with teens, young adults, and adults of all ages, specializing in helping individuals navigate transitions of all kinds. For teens and young adults, this includes family challenges with relationships, academic pressures, and the transition to independence. For adults, this includes parenting challenges, older adult children figuring out how to become adults of their own, career transitions, and dealing with pressures of life in various stages. I also have summer openings and am flexible with schedules - summer is often a great time for young adults in transitions to establish a therapeutic relationship when they have more time in their schedule.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not accept insurance but can provide a superbill at the end of the month that can be submitted for out of network benefits.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Whether you're seeking help for yourself or your teen, I offer both in-person and teletherapy options.

Email: info@leslieashman.com

Phone: (555) 555-1234

Location: Rockville, Maryland

Supporting Your Journey