Couples therapists in Montgomery, AL

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.

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.

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.

As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), I am passionate about helping people move beyond simply surviving and begin thriving! I believe therapy should be a space where you feel seen, supported, challenged, empowered to create meaningful change in your life, and did I say feel seen?! :-)

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.

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.

Samantha Kelley, LPC-S, RPT Licensed Professional Counselor & Supervisor | Registered Play Therapist State of Alabama

Samantha Kelley is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist in Alabama, with a trauma-informed approach grounded in strong academic and clinical foundations. She holds an Ed.S. and MS in Counseling from Jacksonville State University and a BA in Psychology from the University of Alabama.

Her career spans diverse settings, including substance abuse treatment, correctional facilities, juvenile justice programs, geriatric care, and community-based services for at-risk youth. Samantha specializes in play therapy for children, behavioral support for adolescents, and integrative care for adults and older adults.

As a clinical supervisor and practice leader, she supports therapist development, credentialing, and care coordination, ensuring continuity of care and high standards of service. Her work is rooted in empathy, accountability, and a commitment to helping clients achieve meaningful therapeutic goals.

Education & Credentials

• Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Counseling – Jacksonville State University 2015
• Master of Science (MS) in Counseling – Jacksonville State University 2003
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology – University of Alabama, 2000
• Licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC and LPC-S)and Supervisor (Alabama)
• Certification: Registered Play Therapist (RPT)

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have been licensed for 24 years and have worked with children and adults in Community Mental Health settings, parenting programs, Child Protective Services and drug education. I use person-centered, behavior therapy, thought changing, unconditional positive regard, solution-focused and reality therapy to name a few. I have worked with ADHD, OCD, grief issues, trauma and abuse, and mental illness.

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.