Ashley Waddell, LCSW-S, RPT-S™, CCTP-TRE, NCSSW™,
(she/her/hers)
About Me
Hi, I am Ashley! I am an EMDR Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. I work primarily with high-achieving Black women, helping professionals, and teens who appear capable and composed on the outside but feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them.
Many of my clients are used to pushing through. Privately, they struggle with overthinking, self-blame, hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, or difficulty resting. Through EMDR therapy, we process unresolved experiences and reduce the emotional intensity that keeps the nervous system on high alert.
My approach integrates EMDR with somatic awareness, parts work, mindfulness, and body-based regulation strategies. I help clients understand what their nervous system is doing, why their responses make sense, and how to gently shift toward safety, balance, and sustainable regulation.
Therapy with me is culturally responsive, collaborative, and grounded in meaningful change, not just insight, but relief.
Education & Experience
MSW
LCSW
Virginia Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
Registered Play Therapist Supervisor™
EMDR Certified Therapist
Nationally Certified School Social Worker™
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Certified Holistic Therapist
500hr Certified Yoga Teacher
Certified Level 1 Breathwork Facilitator
Certified Crystal Bowl Sound Healer
Certified Level 1 Energy Healer
Professional & Volunteer Affiliations
National Association of Black Social Workers
School Social Worker Association of America
EMDRIA
International Association of Play Therapy
Specialty Area
- ADHD/Neurodiversity
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Depression
- Family Issues
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Race, Culture, Ethnicity Issues
- Sexual Abuse
- Somatic Issues
- Spirituality
- Stress Management
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adolescents (13-17)
- Adults
- BIPOC
- Community Mental Health Center
- Families
- First Responders
- Group
Language
- English
Insurance
- Aetna
- BlueCross BlueShield
- Medicaid
- UnitedHealth
Sentara