Experience

Hi, I'm Ashley

Psychotherapist & Psychoanalyst

No one would be able to tell that something is wrong just by looking at you. In fact, on the outside, it might look like you are doing great, even thriving. Or maybe it feels as if the things that are bothering you are not that big of a deal in comparison to others. Sometimes, we struggle to put the most painful thoughts, feelings and experiences into words, and so begins the process of psychotherapy. The language of mental health has become commonplace, but how a person experiences mental distress is unique. I can help put language to experience and connect with your authentic self in a meaningful way.
I am attuned to the stressors of adolescents and adults in this fast and frantic world.
In addition to a Master's degree in social work, I have completed four years of training in psychoanalysis. I pair practical skills for coping with distress with the ability to connect early experiences to current distress. I integrate interpersonal skills, free association, dream content with compassion and active listening.

You, the patient, are the one driving the car, so to speak. I can assist you by offering directions, pointing out roadblocks, high roads and low roads, and sometimes, an owner's manual. Or I can just be with you while you navigate your journey so you don't have to ride solo..

A few other notes about me: my pronouns are she/her/hers, I love this crazy city, my dog, all dogs, and I am learning to take better care of plants. 
young female women in black turtleneck with arms crossed standing in front of a graffiti wall

Experience & Education

Experience

  • PRIVATE PRACTICE, New York, NY

    Psychotherapy and psychoanalysis

  • AHRC, New York, NY

    Psychotherapist

  • SOLACE WOMENS AID, London, UK

    Trauma-informed Yoga Instructor

  • JCCA EDENWALD CENTER, Pleasantville, NY

    Social worker and psychotherapist

  • INTERBOROUGH DEVELOPMENTAL & CONSULTATION CTR, Brooklyn, NY

    Psychotherapist

  • MOUNT SINAI ADOLESCENT HEALTH CENTER, New York, NY

    Social work intern

  • FORESTDALE, Forest Hills, NY

    Social work intern and case aide

 Additional Experience

  • FACULTY/SUPERVISION

    Faculty

    • National Institute for the Psychotherapies
    • Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy

    Supervision

    • NYC Affirmative

  • AFFILIATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS

    • The Fostering Connection
    • Youth Opportunities Program, Outdoor Leadership  
    • 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification (Sarva Academy)

  • TRAININGS/CONTINUING EDUCATION

    • NIP One Year Program in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
    • EGPS two-year training in group psychotherary and advanced consultation

Published Work and Presentations

IARPP Conference 2026: The hatred we share: acrimony and contempt as building blocks in relationships (Leeds, A.) 

IAPSP Conference 2024: Present absent mother, present absent analyst (Leeds, A.) 

IAPSP Conference 2023: How old are we really? The role of play in cultivating a leading edge transference (Leeds, A.) 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:  An Adaptive Manual for Survivors of Trauma and Dislocation (Cohen, F., Leeds, A.)  

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Education

Columbia University

School of Social Work
Master of Science in Social Work

New York University

Gallatin School of Individualized Study
Bachelor of Arts

National Institute for the Psychotherapies

Adult Training Program in Psychoanalysis & Comprehensive Psychotherapy
Certificate in Psychoanalysis

Specialties

• Eating Disorders
• Life Transitions
• School Issues
• Self-Harming
• Trauma & PTSD
• OCD
• Family
• Depression
• ADHD
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Accepted Insurance and Licensure

• I am not in-network with any health insurance providers

• I am licensed to practice psychotherapy in: New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. In-person sessions are offered in Brooklyn

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The first step is talking.