Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Edelstein.
Hi Ashleigh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been the person people open up to. Even as a kid, I was endlessly curious about people’s stories, and listening came naturally to me. I could sit and listen for hours! What initially drew me to becoming a therapist was wanting to learn more about how the mind works and what drives certain behaviors and thought patterns. I wanted to help people understand themselves better, because that understanding is often what makes real change possible.
I became a Licensed Therapist and started my private practice, Austin Therapy & EMDR. Over the years, my work has narrowed toward the people I connect with most: anxious overthinkers and high-achievers who are quietly burning out. I’m also trained in EMDR, which has been some of the most rewarding work I do.
When I’m not seeing clients, you’ll usually find me with my husband and our two Border Collies, baking brownies, spending quality time with friends, and getting out on the lake.
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?
Not entirely, and I think that’s true for most therapists. Going back to school as an adult while adjusting to a new city made the beginning bumpy. It’s a lot to take on at once, and there were definitely moments of doubt, “Can I really do this?”
What helped was the community I found. I made so many wonderful friends and connections at St. Edward’s University and later through my work as a therapist. No one really warns you how hard it is to become one! The training is demanding, and the work asks a lot of you emotionally. But it has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m a Licensed Therapist, and I run Austin Therapy & EMDR, a private practice where I work virtually with adults across Texas. My focus is on anxious overthinkers and high-achievers who look like they have it all together on the outside, but are exhausted and burning out on the inside. I also specialize in EMDR, a trauma therapy that I use for phobias, birth trauma, and single-event traumas like car accidents. I’m currently expanding my work to include OCD through specialized training in Inference-Based CBT.
What sets my approach apart is that I get specific. A lot of people come to therapy having tried to think their way out of anxiety, or having been told to just relax, and that hasn’t worked. I focus on understanding what’s actually driving the pattern, whether that’s an overactive mind, perfectionism, or an experience that still feels stuck, and then using evidence-based tools to resolve it, not just manage it.
I’m most proud of the warmth and clarity I’ve built into my practice, from my website to the way clients are welcomed in. I want people to feel understood from the first interaction, and to find content that speaks to what they’re actually experiencing, in plain language and not clinical jargon.
If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know, it’s that relief is possible, even when something has felt stuck for years. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation, so anyone curious can talk with me before committing to anything.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Give yourself a break! You don’t have to know everything to be good at what you do. Having a curious attitude and being willing to try uncomfortable things will take you further than you ever thought possible. And particularly for new therapists, take the pressure off immediately figuring out exactly what kind of therapist you want to be. You’ll grow and develop your unique style as you work, not necessarily beforehand.
As for what I wish I’d known, I wish someone had told me how emotionally draining this work can be. I’ve learned that caring for myself isn’t optional in this field. It’s what allows me to keep showing up well for my clients. The more I’ve prioritized support, boundaries, and rest, the more sustainable and rewarding this work has become.
Pricing:
- Free 15-minute phone consultation
- $180 for a 50-minute session
- Sliding scale spots available on a limited basis
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.austintherapyemdr.com/
