It's time for our second installment our new member spotlight!  We would love to get to know our members through this question and answer format.  If you would like to be featured in a spotlight, please email us at houstonlpcassociation@gmail.com.

This month's spotlight is on one of our board members, Ashley Hamm.  Read on to learn more about her!

Tell us a little about yourself. Do you have any special license(s) or certification(s)?

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in the Heights neighborhood.  At my practice I see adults for counseling for concerns including stress, anxiety, burnout, and life transitions.  I also work part-time as a mobile assessor for Westpark Springs Hospital.

Prior to opening my practice, I was a counselor for a hospital employee wellness program.  I have also worked in a partial hospitalization program, at a college counseling center, and at a crisis hotline.

I am also certified as a Registered Health Coach.  I enjoy helping people change their habits for the better through health coaching!

How long have you been a member of HLPCA and why did you join?

I have been a member of HLPCA since 2011. I joined because I wanted to connect with other counselors.  As a student, I was hoping to learn more about what life is like after graduation.  I also love learning and enjoyed coming to the CEU presentations long before I needed them!

I have been active on the board since 2012 when I became Communications Chair.  I have served in several roles including President.  Right now I am on the communications committee helping to manage the website.

Are there other populations you would like to work with or specializations you would like to pursue?

I'm really interested in helping people impacted by compassion fatigue.  Compassion fatigue is a particular type of chronic stress that comes with working with people who are physically or emotionally suffering.  I became interested in this when I was counseling hospital employees in my previous job.  I think it's an under-recognized problem among several industries (including our own!)

As far as specializations, I love Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and I am planning on attending a multi-day training in November to advance my knowledge of that modality.  I have attended a few trainings on Compassion Focused Therapy and would love to continue to learn more about it.  I also have my eye on Somatic Experiencing and Internal Family Systems therapies - those are therapies that have really resonated with me as I've learned more about them.

Tell us something about yourself other members may not know.

I fell in love with running a few years ago and I'm training to run my 3rd marathon in December.  I also have a beautiful lazy cat who helps me slow down and focus on self-care!

To connect with Ashley, message her on her HLPCA directory profile or by visiting her website!