From Challenges to Change: Ashley Allen’s Vision for Mental Health

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, Ashley Allen stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience. As the founder of Elevated Psychotherapy Services, Ashley combines her personal journey with a deep passion for mental health to create a space where healing and growth can flourish. Her story is one of transformation, navigating life’s challenges—from a significant divorce to the uncertainty of a global pandemic—while embracing her calling to support others on their paths to wellness. In this interview, Ashley shares the inspiration behind her practice, the valuable lessons learned from her experiences, and her unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of her clients. Prepare to be inspired by her insights into the power of self-care, community, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

What inspired you to start Elevated Psychotherapy Services, and how does your passion for
helping others shape your practice?

I was motivated to create Elevated Psychotherapy Services to build an evidence-based
practice that serves others while ensuring a living wage for myself. After seven years as a
graduate student, I was accustomed to working for very little under the supervision of
others. Although I hadn’t initially planned to open my own practice, it ultimately made
perfect sense at the time and I’m so grateful that I trusted myself to make that leap.
Can you share how your personal experiences, including your divorce and moving across your
support network, influenced your journey in establishing your business?

My personal experiences have played a significant role in shaping my career path. In
2017, I went through a divorce with my partner of 10 years. Our divorce was finalized
just a few days before I made the move from Virginia Beach to Denver, which made the
transition even more daunting. During our separation, I was applying for internships with
no income and was terrified at the thought of leaving my support network behind. Despite
these challenges, I ended up matching at my top internship site and made the move on my
own. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I could have made for myself. I’ve
been in Colorado for almost eight years now, and I can’t imagine living or working
anywhere else!
How did completing your doctoral program and becoming licensed during the COVID-19
lockdown impact your career and business start-up?

Becoming an independently licensed psychologist at a time when the world was in
turmoil was incredibly challenging. It was especially difficult to support my clients
through an experience we were all going through together. The uncertainty of the
pandemic, combined with the political and racial tensions of that time, made it a tough
period. However, this experience taught me the importance of impermanence, reinforced
the value of my coping skills, and deepened my commitment to mindfulness in
navigating difficult times. I found myself relying heavily on my own therapist during that
period to ensure I was providing the best care possible.
What were some of the major challenges you faced while opening your practice during such a
tumultuous time?

Fortunately, I was extremely lucky to start with a full practice, as all of my clients
followed me from my previous clinic. I had never planned to start a private practice, and I
probably wouldn’t have if the pandemic hadn’t happened. The challenges I faced were
primarily self-doubt and imposter syndrome, both of which I had to work through.
Additionally, the costs of starting up a therapy practice can be pretty hefty, which added
another layer of stress during an already uncertain time.
How did you navigate the values conflict at your prior practice, and what led you to start your
own business?

My previous boss and I had very conflicting beliefs and values regarding the pandemic
and the political upheaval happening at the time. We had an intense disagreement about
these topics one day, which required a lot of reflection on my own values and what was
truly important to me. It was a period of making some really scary decisions, but I
believed that ultimately, starting my own practice would be the best way to serve my
clients and align with my core principles.
How do you balance the demands of running a psychotherapy practice with your personal life
and well-being?

Balancing the demands of running a practice with my personal life is actually much
easier now that I am self-employed. My boss is pretty easygoing! However, working
primarily in a virtual setting can sometimes impact my well-being. Fortunately, I have a
fantastic virtual comprehensive DBT consultation team that I collaborate with, and my
own therapy experience has been crucial in supporting my overall mental health and
wellness.
What strategies have you found effective in managing the stress and pressure associated with
starting and running a new business?

One of the most effective strategies I’ve found for managing the stress and pressure of
running a business is reminding myself of my capability to thrive in solo practice. I also
focus on the fact that fluctuations in income are temporary and part of the natural ebb and
flow of business. Women, in particular, can be prone to self-doubt, but research shows
that this self-doubt can actually enhance performance by driving continuous learning and
growth. In contrast, those who are overly confident often make more mistakes.
Embracing this perspective helps me stay grounded and resilient.
How has your experience with mental health, both personally and professionally, influenced
your approach to therapy and client care?

My own journey with mental health has profoundly shaped my approach to therapy and
client care. Having been in therapy with a DBT therapist for the past six years and
dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD throughout my life has given me a
deep well of empathy for my clients. Experiencing therapy from the client’s perspective
makes me acutely aware of how daunting it can be for people starting therapy for the first
time or beginning again with a new therapist. I understand how overwhelming this
process can be and strive to create a supportive and compassionate environment for my
clients.
Can you describe a particularly challenging moment in your journey and how you overcame it?

A particularly challenging and devastating moment in my journey occurred last year
during the Thanksgiving season when I experienced a dangerous anticholinergic drug
interaction. This led to a misdiagnosed manic/psychotic episode and a week-long
psychiatric hospitalization. Despite the efforts of my providers, the cause of the episode
remained unclear until my education in psychopharmacology helped me identify the
issue. If I had not been working towards an additional masters degree in Clinical
Psychopharmacology, I may have never figured out the truth. This experience was
extremely difficult and caused me to lose confidence in my ability to work. I took two
months to recover, during which I relied heavily on my consultation team to help manage
my clients and rebuild my confidence. Additionally, I learned a great deal about this
dangerous drug interaction and presented my findings at the Southwestern School for
Behavioral Studies in Phoenix, Arizona, in August. My goal was to equip other clinicians
with the knowledge to accurately assess and diagnose anticholinergic toxicity, and I hope
I achieved that.
What role does self-care play in your life and work, and how do you prioritize it amidst your
responsibilities?

Self-care is essential, especially when you’re immersed in others’ suffering. I prioritize it
by spending quality time with friends, my animals, and volunteering with a local wildlife
education non-profit. There, I participate in outreach programs teaching about birds of
prey. Volunteering in this capacity is a refreshing change from therapy and allows me to
build special relationships with the birds, which is incredibly rewarding.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic shaped your approach to therapy and the services you offer
at Elevated Psychotherapy Services?

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly shaped my practice, leading me to operate
mostly virtually. This setup enhances accessibility for clients by eliminating the need for
lengthy commutes to appointments. I’ve also participated in my own virtual therapy for
the past four years. To ensure comprehensive service, I continue to offer in-person
neuropsychological evaluations as well.
What advice would you give to other women facing significant personal or professional
challenges in their careers?

I would suggest finding a great therapist if you’re struggling, as having professional
support can make a big difference. Additionally, connecting with a community of other
women can be incredibly valuable. When we’re isolated, it’s easy to get caught up in our
own thoughts and believe them. Being part of a supportive network can help provide
perspective and encouragement. It also helps you to remember that you are not alone in
your struggles.
How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals despite the obstacles you encounter?

I stay motivated and focused by reminding myself of the profound impact mental health
treatment can have and reflecting on the journeys I’ve been privileged to be a part of.
Seeing my clients grow and thrive is incredibly rewarding, and that sense of achievement
keeps me inspired and driven.
What changes or developments do you foresee for Elevated Psychotherapy Services in the
coming years?

In the coming years, I aim to expand my practice by increasing my involvement in public
speaking and consulting, with the goal of making a broader impact. I also have several
exciting ideas for workshops, courses, and books that I’m eager to develop and share.
How do you measure success in your practice, and what are your goals for making an impact in
your clients’ lives?

I define success by observing my clients become kinder and more mindful versions of
themselves. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them allow themselves to fully experience
their emotions, sometimes for the first time, and find wisdom in those feelings. While
reducing mental health symptoms is a key goal, the ultimate aim is to help clients develop
a better relationship with themselves.