Meet Ashley McLaughlin, MSW, LSW

I am beyond thrilled to connect with you through this digital window and am honored to introduce myself – Ashley McLaughlin, a passionate advocate for mental health and a firm believer in the power of healing through self-discovery. As a Licensed Social Worker with a Master's degree in Social Work, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate the ups anddowns of life, providing a supportive space for them to heal and grow. At Whole and Holy, my mission is to extend that support to each one of you, creating a safe space where we can embark on a journey of self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-empowerment.

Allow me to share a bit about my background and what led me to this fulfilling path. Growing up, I always felt a deep sense of empathy towards others and an innate desire to make a positive impact on their lives. As I experienced the loss of my brother as a teenager, I saw first hand the impact that mental health had on myself and my family around me. As I transitioned into adulthood, I experienced many more responsibilities with the desire to be successful while balancing many new life transitions such as getting married and starting a family. Through this, it became even more clear to me that mental health was an integral aspect of overall well-being, one that often remained overlooked or stigmatized.

From this realization, I set out to gain the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals struggling with mental health challenges. My journey led me to obtain my Master's in Social Work, and I have since worked in various settings, from healthcare to community schools, walking side by side with those facing adversity and offering them a compassionate, non-judgmental ear.

One of the cornerstones of my approach is the belief that we are all deserving of love and compassion, including ourselves. I understand that life can be a rollercoaster ride, filled with joys and sorrows, victories and challenges. Through it all, I want you to know that you are not alone on this path.

As you navigate this path of self-discovery, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself. Remember, healing and self-discovery are not linear journeys but continuous processes of learning and unlearning. Let's celebrate progress, no matter how small, and find strength in our shared experiences. I look forward to the opportunity to possibly work with you.

With love and compassion,

Ashley