About Ashley
Hi, I’m Ashley Furtado, Clinical Professional Counselor – Intern (CPC-I). I work with teens, adults, couples, and families who are navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationships.
I moved to Henderson in 2023 from Sacramento with my partner. As a Bay Area native, I love traveling and spending time in nature, and the ocean is my happy place! Back in California, one of my favorite things to do was drive to San Francisco, grab a Ghirardelli ice cream sundae, and sit by the water watching the waves. It always brought me so much peace! These days, I’m having a blast exploring new restaurants and discovering everything Las Vegas has to offer.
Early in my career, I believed teaching would be my lifelong path. But while assistant teaching at a Waldorf school, I realized that what fascinated me most wasn’t academics. It was how my students felt, why they made the choices they did, and how I could help them work through complicated emotions. That curiosity led me to counseling, and it still shapes the way I work with every client today!
How I Help
My goal is for therapy to be a space where you feel comfortable being honest about your experiences and emotions. I take a collaborative approach, which means we work together, combining conversation with practical tools and activities that help you feel more confident handling life’s challenges. I want to meet you where you’re at, help you better understand yourself and your relationships, and find strategies you can actually use outside the therapy office!
Humor is one of my favorite tools in session. Whether that means laughing together about the frustrations of everyday life or finding a moment of lightness during a hard conversation, I want therapy to feel human and approachable.
One of the core skills I teach is using your five senses to calm your body and mind when anxiety, anger, or sadness start to take over. Just as important, we’ll look at the coping skills you already use, often without realizing it, so we can build on what you naturally do well. I want therapy to feel empowering, not like you’re starting from scratch!
I’ve seen how a single hurtful comment or difficult experience can deeply affect how someone sees themselves. That’s why I focus on helping you build confidence and self-esteem, speak to yourself with more kindness, and feel proud of who you are.
For teens, I know that sitting and talking for an hour isn’t always the easiest way to open up, so I adapt sessions to what feels natural, bringing in creative activities alongside conversation. Whether you’re dealing with school pressure, social media, friendships, bullying, or figuring out how to express yourself, I’m here to help you sort through it.
I also work with parents and families who want to strengthen their communication and reconnect with each other.
There’s a lot in life we can’t control, from school and work pressures to relationships and unexpected changes. While we can’t change every situation, we can learn to manage how we respond to it. Understanding that difference can bring a real sense of control, confidence, and resilience, and I’d love to help you get there.
More About Ashley
Education
Bachelors in Psychology – Sacramento State University – 2019
Master of Arts, Counseling and Psychology – University of the Pacific – 2023