Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Wilson.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for helping people. Growing up, I saw how much it mattered to have a neutral, safe space to talk, and that naturally led me toward the mental health field. I earned my Psychology degree from Texas A&M University, and that’s actually when I started going to therapy myself. That experience really shaped the kind of therapist I wanted to be, because I know what it feels like to be in the client’s shoes.
After that, I went on to get my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University and started working with a wide variety of clients. Over time, I found myself especially drawn to women’s mental health and the brain-body connection.
I started Hawthorn Counseling Center because I wanted to create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered as they move through hard seasons of life, somewhere they can show up exactly as they are. Now I provide virtual services across Texas and work with clients in person around Lago Vista and the surrounding areas.
A big reason I’m especially focused on maternal mental health now is because of my own postpartum experience. After having my first child, I struggled in ways I didn’t fully expect, and it gave me a completely different level of empathy and understanding for what moms go through. It made me realize how much support is still needed in this space. That experience really deepened my passion for helping mothers navigate postpartum mood changes, identity shifts, relationship changes, and the overall adjustment to parenthood.
Alright, 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?
Starting something new always has it’s bumps in the road. One of the biggest challenges was balancing being a clinician while building Hawthorn Counseling Center. Graduate school prepares you really well to help clients, but not to run a business. Marketing, systems, finances, and building a sustainable schedule all take time to learn. There was definitely some trial and error as I figured out what worked best for me and my clients.
On a personal level, navigating my own postpartum experience while also being a therapist and building a practice at the same time was a challenge. It forced me to slow down, ask for support, and really practice what I encourage my clients to do. That season reshaped how I work and what I prioritize, both professionally and personally.
Another challenge has been learning to trust the process. Building a practice and getting your name out there takes time. But those challenges helped me grow, clarify my mission, and build a practice that reflects the kind of care I want to provide.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Hawthorn Counseling Center is a counseling practice focused on helping teens and adults navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, and especially women’s and maternal mental health. I provide virtual services across Texas and in-person services around Lago Vista and surrounding communities.
I provide individual therapy in 55-minute sessions. I accept most major insurances, and my private pay rate for a 55-minute session is $155.
I specialize in women’s mental health, postpartum support, and helping clients understand the brain-body connection in their mental health. I’m especially known for creating a space that feels safe, real, and non-judgmental. I use a blend of approaches like ACT, attachment-based work, polyvagal theory and parts work, so therapy is really tailored to the individual.
What sets me apart is that I truly take a holistic approach. Not every client is a “one size fits all”, so I look at the full picture (mental, emotional, relational, and lifestyle factors). I meet clients exactly where they are and how they show up to each session. My own experiences, especially in motherhood and postpartum, have deepened my empathy and understanding in ways that shape how I support clients.
I’m most proud that the brand feels warm, real, and safe, not clinical or intimidating. It’s a space where people can show up exactly as they are and know they’ll be supported.
What I want readers to know is that therapy doesn’t have to be scary or perfect. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from support. My goal is to help people feel understood, build practical tools, and feel more confident navigating whatever season of life they’re in.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
One piece of advice I’d give is to give yourself permission to learn as you go. When I was starting Hawthorn Counseling Center, I thought I needed to have everything figured out from the beginning, but building something meaningful really happens over time through experience, feedback, and adjustment.
Also, trust your values and the kind of work you want to do. It’s easy to compare yourself to others or feel pressure to do things a certain way, but the most fulfilling path usually comes from building something that actually reflects who you are and how you want to serve people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hawthorncounselingcenter.com/
- Instagram: @hawthorncounselingcenter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Hawthorn-Counseling-Center-PLLC-61581115228101/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ashley-wilson-lago-vista-tx/1009750
Image Credits
Harper Rae Photography
