We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.
firstName}, thank you so much for agreeing to talk with us about a deeply personal and sensitive topic. Postpartum depression affects so many in the community and hearing from someone who has overcome PPD might help someone who is going through it right now. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience
As a first time (and only) mother, I was afraid of nighttime and battled really scary thoughts. I spoke to my OBGYN, who amazingly cared for me. She provided me with educated options to care for my mental health. I also began my own therapeutic healing journey. Initially, I battled feelings of inadequacy and failure, but this experience encouraged a deep transformation internally that has positively impacted my work with mothers.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My journey has been a profound, winding path shaped by grit, resilience, and an unbreakable commitment to serving others. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, and founder of A&R Counseling LLC, I’ve dedicated my career to transforming trauma and providing a safe haven for those navigating the toughest challenges in life. Inspired by my own background and driven by a powerful desire to address the mental health gaps I witnessed in underserved communities, I knew I had to create a place where individuals could find support that went beyond conventional therapy—a place that could really help people rebuild from within.
A&R Counseling has become just that. We provide a wide range of trauma-informed services that connect clinical treatment with holistic approaches, using everything from mindfulness and somatic therapies to emerging trauma-based interventions. Our goal is to empower each client, helping them find hope and renewal after adversity. Our impact extends to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, veterans, and anyone facing intergenerational trauma, aiming to reach those often overlooked by mainstream care.
What makes our work most special is the incredible results we see in our clients—people who felt lost find new purpose, families heal, and futures grow brighter. It’s not just about counseling; it’s about building life-changing resilience and connection. As we expand into Washington state, our vision only strengthens. We’re committed to scaling these services to reach even more communities in need, making mental health care more accessible, impactful, and inclusive.
Through every challenge and triumph, this work is my purpose, and my hope is to keep expanding until every person who needs it has access to our care.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that were absolutely essential to my growth are consistency, authenticity, and persistence. Consistency helped me stay grounded and keep moving forward, even when things were uncertain or challenging. Authenticity gave me the freedom to build my path in a way that felt true to who I am, which not only helped my work resonate with others but also made it feel meaningful every day. And persistence—well, that’s the force that pushes you through every obstacle and reminds you to never settle or stop short of your vision.
For those at the beginning of their journey, my advice would be this: find what truly drives you and pursue it with all your heart, but do it your way. This often requires real self-discovery, and it may mean going against the grain or facing pushback. Remember that others may try to project their own insecurities or doubts onto you. Don’t let their fears dim your passion or make you doubt yourself. Know who you are and let that self-knowledge carry you through every experience and into every room you enter. When you know and stay true to yourself, the path forward becomes clearer, and the work more impactful.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Without a doubt, my husband has been my steadfast anchor and true partner. That man is my guy, my best friend, and my unbreakable teammate, standing by my side through every high and every low. Together, we’ve faced each challenge that’s come our way, and I count myself deeply blessed to walk this journey with him. He reminds me what strength, loyalty, and love truly look like, and I am eternally grateful for his companionship in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.a-rcounseling.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anrcllc/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
