

I rediscovered my passion for psychology and counseling during COVID and returned to school to redirect the course of my life in my 40s. Now, I specialize in helping others navigate major life transitions and learn new relationships with their emotions and mental processes.
Hello and welcome. I’m Ashley, a licensed clinical social worker, and I specialize in working with young adults (18+) and adults throughout adulthood who have experienced complex trauma and relational wounds. Many of the people I work with struggle with intense emotions, fear of abandonment, painful or unstable relationship patterns, a harsh inner critic, shame, or a sense of feeling lost or unsure of who they are.
These experiences can show up as complex trauma symptoms such as emotional overwhelm, mood shifts, dissociation, difficulty trusting others, people-pleasing, or feeling “too much” or “not enough.”
I believe trauma lives not only in the mind, but also in the body and in our relationships.
Together, we work to understand your emotional reactions and protective behaviors, not to judge them, but to help you feel safer, more grounded, and more connected to yourself and others.
If you recognize yourself in these experiences and are ready to work on trauma and relationship patterns, I would be honored to support you.
Dr. Melissa Earls is a licensed professional counselor supervisor and Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor (RPT-S) with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families. She specializes in play therapy and developmentally appropriate, trauma-responsive approaches that help clients express emotions, build coping skills, and strengthen resilience in a safe and supportive environment.
Dr. Earls brings a compassionate, strengths-based approach to counseling and believes that healing occurs through meaningful relationships, creativity, and connection. Her clinical work is informed by research, cultural responsiveness, and a deep understanding of how stress, trauma, and life transitions impact emotional well-being.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Earls is an educator and supervisor who is committed to ethical practice and professional excellence. She is dedicated to partnering with clients and families to support growth, empowerment, and lasting positive change.
my clients will be cared for and paid attention to
I have been a therapist for 17 years and have worked children and adults of all ages. I find joy in working with others reach their goals, manage life, and find peace.


Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.