Couples therapists in Birmingham, AL

For the past 8 years, I’ve worked closely with elderly and disabled individuals, supporting them through life’s emotional and practical challenges. Before becoming a social worker, I worked in banking, but I felt a strong pull toward work that allowed me to truly make a difference in people’s lives. That calling led me to counseling. I bring compassion, patience, and a deep respect for each person’s story into the work we do together.

You’re capable and use to managing a lot, but lately life feels overwhelming.

I’m Ashley Walay, LICSW, and I work with BIPOC women and LGBTQ+ individuals, professionals, single parents, and military-connected individuals (including spouses, veterans, contractors, and civilian employees) experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, chronic stress, and life transitions.

I value clear, direct communication and tailor therapy to your needs, whether you want tools or space to process. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, balance, and confidence.

I specialize in supporting adults as they navigate identity, relationships, and life transitions, as well as children, teens, families, and adults dealing with stress, anxiety, emotional challenges, substance use concerns, and life changes.

My approach is culturally responsive, affirming, and warm, and I tailor treatment to meet each person where they are. I also incorporate clients’ faith and spiritual beliefs into the therapeutic process when desired, as part of a holistic approach to care.

Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger, grief, or past trauma begin to take up more space than the life you want to live. You may be exhausted from carrying everything on your own, struggling to manage emotions, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. I work with adults and teens who are ready for change but may not know where to start. Together, we'll create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to heal, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), I am passionate about helping individuals heal from the wounds that continue to shape their present. I am the CEO and Founder of Mental Freedom Counseling Services LLC, proudly recognized with the Best of Alabama 2026 Award in Counseling and Therapy Practices. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, and substance use, while maintaining a special passion for attachment wounds and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. I believe many of our current struggles make sense when we understand where they began.

My goal is to provide a compassionate, supportive environment where you feel truly seen and understood. Together, we'll identify patterns that no longer serve you, strengthen healthier ways of coping, and work toward lasting emotional freedom. Whether you're navigating painful relationships, unresolved trauma, or simply feeling stuck, I strive to help you build insight, healing, and confidence so you can create the life and relationships you deserve.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate in Social Work, and I bring both clinical expertise and real life understanding into the therapy space. My professional background includes years of direct clinical practice as well as leadership roles in complex, high stress systems, including serving as a Mental Health Director. These experiences have shaped my ability to support individuals who are navigating pressure, responsibility, and emotional overwhelm while still being expected to function at a high level.

I work best with clients who are strong on the outside but struggling internally. Many of the people I support are women, mothers, professionals, caregivers, and helpers who are used to showing up for others while neglecting their own emotional needs. I have a particular passion for working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, burnout, life transitions, relationship stress, identity concerns, and trauma related to past or ongoing stressors.

Therapy with me is not about having all the answers. It is about learning how to trust yourself, set healthy boundaries, and show up for your life with more compassion and confidence.

I am a dedicated Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

with a wealth of experience providing direct therapeutic services to diverse populations.

With advanced degrees in Social Work and Child Development, I am skilled in

conducting complex bio-psychosocial and diagnostic assessments for children,

adolescents, and adults. I provide individualized, evidence-based treatment

for individuals, couples, and groups, addressing a broad range of behavioral health

challenges including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety,

adjustment disorder and grief. My clinical practice is grounded in a variety of proven

modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy

(CPT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a profound commitment to

patient care within demanding environments, including military and outpatient settings.

I have served as a primary therapist in the Army Embedded Behavioral Health clinics,

supported the Army Family Behavioral health Clinic, and provided on-call crisis support for

hospital emergency rooms. A core component of my work involves developing and

monitoring individualized treatment plans to ensure measurable progress and positive

outcomes for my clients. By providing specialized, person-centered counseling and

intervention, I empower my clients to achieve recovery and wellness.

If you're constantly questioning yourself after a toxic relationship, feeling stuck in anxiety, struggling to trust again, or carrying the weight of emotional abuse, you're not alone. Many of the women I work with are healing from narcissistic abuse, betrayal trauma, domestic violence, relationship wounds, depression, stress, or overwhelming self-doubt. Together, we'll help you reconnect with your voice, rebuild your confidence, establish healthy boundaries, and create a life that feels safe, fulfilling, and truly your own.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Board Certified Counselor. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals and families to heal. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy—not just from my clinical training, but from my lived experience as a wife and mother of two. I understand the complexities of balancing family life with personal growth, and I am dedicated to helping my clients navigate those same hurdles with resilience.

I speak Haitian Creole!

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage! I am here to support you in that process.