We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley C. Whiteside, Lmsw. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley C. below.

Ashley C., thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the best advice you’ve ever given to a client? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve given to a client stems from the idea of embracing the power of choice. Often, we feel trapped by our circumstances, overwhelmed by external pressures, or burdened by self-doubt. I worked with a client who struggled with a deep sense of helplessness in their personal and professional life. They believed they had no control over their situation, and this mindset kept them stuck in patterns that were no longer serving them.

During one of our sessions, I encouraged them to pause and reflect on a powerful truth: while we may not always control what happens to us, we always have a choice in how we respond. I asked them to think about small, intentional choices they could make to realign their life with their values, even in the face of uncertainty.

This simple yet profound shift helped them take ownership of their decisions. They started setting boundaries at work, saying “no” to tasks that drained them, and “yes” to opportunities that fueled their passions. They began prioritizing their mental health, dedicating time to activities that brought them joy and peace. Over time, their sense of agency grew, and with it, their confidence and resilience.

The result was transformative—not because of any magic formula I provided but because they reclaimed the power to make their own choices. Seeing this client thrive reminded me of the ripple effect of empowering someone to realize they are not powerless, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Ashley C. Whiteside, here! A healer, therapist, doula, educator, and Licensed Social Worker, I believe that choosing to heal is a radical act of self-love. My practice centers and prioritizes the experiences and healing of Black and Brown femmes (women, girls, and feminine identified). I offer a loving, gentle space for millennial femmes who are moving through various life transitions: career, relationship status, personal discovery/self-development, mindset challenges, parenthood, and spiritual development. I guide my clients in thinking through authentic self-expression by helping them remember the inherent truths of who they are and desire to be. As a lover of humanity, my role is to mirror the fundamental truths your heart knows: you are worthy, enough, beautiful, and have everything you need to get what you want from this life.

For those who may not know me yet, I’m deeply passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported—whether through my work in mental health, storytelling, or community engagement. I found my way into this field through my love for connection and belief that everyone has a story worth sharing. That curiosity led me to explore how we can reduce the stigma around mental health and create conversations that heal and empower.

Through my work, I provide tools, workshops, and campaigns focused on mental health, identity, and resilience. My services range from facilitating community dialogues to crafting campaigns that amplify underrepresented voices. A big part of what I do is helping people navigate and challenge the narratives that may hold them back—whether that’s stigma, self-doubt, or external judgment.

My ability to blend lived experience, cultural awareness, and creative storytelling sets me apart. I approach each project or client relationship with a mix of empathy and strategy, aiming to inspire actionable change. I’m most proud of my work’s impact on individuals and communities—the moments when someone feels understood or empowered to take a step toward healing or growth.

For potential clients, collaborators, or fans, I’d want you to know that my work is rooted in authenticity and intention. Whether you’re looking for support, collaboration, or inspiration, I aim to create something meaningful and transformative with you.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

From an early age, I knew I wanted to help people. If I could go back, I would absolutely choose Social Work again—it’s where my heart truly belongs. While I once considered becoming a nurse or a teacher, I’ve come to realize that no other profession offers the unique opportunity to walk alongside someone on their journey of healing and self-discovery like mental health professionals do. It’s an honor to hold space for people as they make the brave choice to heal, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Aside from training and knowledge, I believe the most helpful thing for succeeding in this field is understanding and trusting that we all have an innate capacity for healing. As mental health professionals, our role isn’t to “fix” people but to hold space and guide them as they tap into their own resilience and strength. When we trust this truth, it not only deepens our empathy but also empowers us to be truly effective in our work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.altruisticash.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altruisticash

Image Credits

Credit Shakira Hunt for headshot.