We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Ashley Tolleson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dr. Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

A defining moment in my career as a mental health therapist was the opportunity to present and train fellow therapists and psychologists through The Knowledge Tree, a continuing education platform for mental health professionals. This experience was particularly meaningful because it built upon the foundation I developed during my doctoral program, where I regularly presented at conferences and taught graduate-level counseling classes.

When I began presenting for The Knowledge Tree, it felt like a natural extension of the work I had already been doing, but with a new layer of impact. This platform allowed me to share my knowledge with other professionals who were eager to grow in their careers and improve their skills. The experience was fulfilling because it not only deepened my connection to the mental health community, but also reinforced the value of continuous education and professional development.

Being able to connect with colleagues, share evidence-based practices, and discuss real-world challenges therapists face in their work was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me how much I enjoy teaching and mentoring and highlighted the importance of investing in the next generation of mental health professionals. Ultimately, this opportunity confirmed that my career path could blend direct client work with contributing to the broader mental health field through education and training.

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

Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about myself and my work! I’m the founder of the Tolleson Counseling Center, a private practice in Marietta, Georgia, and my journey into the mental health field began as a personal desire to understand and heal from the stress and pressures of perfectionism. This path led me to pursue a career in counseling, with a passion for helping high-achieving girls and women. I was drawn to this profession because I’ve always believed in the power of human connection and the importance of providing a safe space where people can feel heard, understood, and supported.

At the Tolleson Counseling Center, we specialize in working with children, teens, and adults dealing with a range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, perfectionism, trauma, and issues related to neurodiversity, such as ADHD and Autism. Our goal is to help clients manage these challenges by providing a combination of emotional processing and practical skill-building. We aim for our clients to leave each session feeling empowered and equipped to take on life’s difficulties.

What sets us apart is our focus on serving “High Achievers” and “Big Feelers.” We work with individuals, particularly girls and women, who often push themselves hard in their professional or personal lives but struggle with anxiety, burnout, and emotion regulation. Our clients come to us feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed and please others, and often put their well-being on the back burner. Our approach is holistic, combining traditional talk therapy with creative and developmentally appropriate modalities like play therapy, art therapy, and outdoor-based therapy for children and teens. We also collaborate with each client or family to create individualized plans tailored to their unique needs.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built—both with our clients and within our practice. We take pride in fostering long-term, meaningful relationships with the people we serve. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch our clients grow and thrive as they learn to manage their mental health in healthier ways. I want potential clients to know that we’re here to walk alongside them on their journey, providing not only expert care but also a deep commitment to their well-being. We want to help move them from surviving to thriving in a way that aligns with their own personal values and goals. Ultimately, our mission is to empower our clients to be their best selves, and we’re honored to be a part of that process.

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

In addition to training and knowledge, I believe success in the mental health therapy field relies heavily on a few key personal qualities. First and foremost, having the courage to be imperfect is essential. As therapists, we’re often seen as guides, but we’re human too. Being willing to embrace imperfection not only allows for personal growth, but also models authenticity and self-compassion for our clients. It creates a space where clients feel comfortable showing up as they are, knowing they don’t need to be perfect either.

Secondly, trusting yourself and your abilities is crucial. The work we do can be complex and emotionally demanding, so it’s important to have confidence in your instincts and clinical judgment. There will be times when you need to make decisions in the moment, and trusting in the training and experience you’ve built is key to providing effective care.

Lastly, creating healthy boundaries is vital for long-term success in this field. We often talk about the importance of boundaries with our clients, but it’s equally important for us as therapists. Maintaining balance allows us to show up fully for our clients while preserving our own mental and emotional well-being. Without strong boundaries, it’s easy to fall into burnout, which ultimately impacts the quality of care we can provide.

By embracing imperfection, trusting ourselves, and establishing clear boundaries, we not only grow as professionals but also sustain our passion and energy for this meaningful work.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

A key factor in building our reputation within the market has been the decision to niche down and position ourselves as specialists, rather than generalists. Early on, I realized that trying to be everything to everyone often dilutes the effectiveness of our work as therapists. Instead, I chose to focus on specific areas where we could offer deep expertise and truly make an impact. For us, that meant focusing on anxiety and stress management for high-achieving girls and women. Each of our therapists now has a specialty that branches off from our main niche, some of which include perfectionism with athletes, burnout with women in high-pressure jobs, and Play Therapy for highly sensitive kids.

By honing in on these areas, we’ve been able to offer a level of tailored support that resonates with clients who face these particular challenges. It allows us to connect with them on a deeper level, because we understand their struggles and have the tools and experience to help them navigate those issues effectively. Positioning ourselves as experts in these areas has not only set us apart from other practices but also built trust with clients and referral sources who know that we specialize in the exact support they need.

Ultimately, this focused approach has helped us build a strong, loyal client base. Our reputation grows as clients and colleagues recognize that we are committed to providing the highest level of care in the areas where we can be most effective. By staying true to our niche, we’ve been able to serve our clients more meaningfully, while also contributing positively to the larger mental health community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tollesoncc.com/
• Instagram: @TollesonCounseling @DrAshleyTolleson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tolleson-counseling-center/

Image Credits

Lovely House Media