Profile image of Ashleigh Varela
Vetted

Ashleigh Varela(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
TexasLouisianaSouth Carolina
Borderline personality disorder-Domestic violence-Self-esteem- Trauma-Childhood trauma-Emotion regulation-

See Ashleigh's Details for:

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about helping individuals heal from wounds caused by trauma, relationships, and/or deep-rooted emotions as a result of life experiences. I value restoration and encourage healing based on each client’s uniqueness and journey through life. I consider it a great honor to be included in my client’s walk towards wholeness and intend to provide a safe environment for you to share your story as you start your therapeutic journey. I have specialized training in EMDR and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and also utilize brief solution focused techniques in my work with clients. My therapeutic style can be described as supportive, engaged, sensitively direct, and client led/driven. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!


Message to clients

Welcome. I’m truly glad you’re here. Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, and I want you to know that this space is meant to be safe, supportive, and collaborative. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which means we’ll work together to explore how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected—and how small shifts can lead to meaningful change. I also bring a trauma-informed lens to our work, which means I prioritize your sense of safety, choice, and empowerment throughout the process.

Before we begin, it’s important for you to know that healing isn’t linear. Some days may feel harder than others, and that’s okay. My hope is that you feel seen, heard, and respected in every session. You are not alone in this journey, and we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. Whether you're coming in with a specific goal or just a sense that something needs to change, we’ll work together to build clarity, resilience, and tools that support your growth.

I deeply believe in your capacity to heal and grow. Therapy is not about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you reconnect with your strengths, values, and sense of self. I’m here to walk alongside you, offering guidance, compassion, and evidence-based strategies to help you navigate whatever challenges you’re facing. I look forward to getting to know you and supporting you in this next chapter


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 5 years

Ashleigh Varela Counseling Services PLLC, Lead Therapist/Owner , 2023 - Present
University of Texas at Tyler Health and Science Center/TCHATT Program , Therapist/Clinician , 2022 - 2024
ThinkSpot Therapy and Training , Therapist , 2020 - 2023
Tyler Independent School District , Mental Health Clinician , 2021 - 2022
Rusk State Hospital , Training Specialist III, 2018 - 2021

University of Texas at Tyler , MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling , 2021
American Military University , BA Human Development and Family Studies , 2017

Licensure

Texas: 88084 - South Carolina: 2287 - Louisiana: TEL 1011

Languages

English

Specialties

Borderline personality disorder - Increasing insight into relational patterns and destructive behaviors; development of coping strategies for uncomfortable emotions or situations; skills for emotional identification and regulation.

Domestic violence - Caring support along the pathway to safety, wellbeing, and healing for those surviving a partner’s abusive attempts to control one’s thoughts, beliefs, and actions

Self-esteem - Cultivating self-compassion, assertiveness, and confidence; developing ways to reduce suffering, anxiety, social withdrawal, and self-neglect

Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse

Childhood trauma - Learning how traumatic events in childhood can translate into adulthood; processing through difficult memories with the goal of moving past the experience and lingering symptoms

Emotion regulation - Learning how to effectively manage the ups and downs of intense emotions; developing coping skills to use in a variety of settings to calm oneself and to give an appropriate amount of space to emotions




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Parents
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Teenagers (13-18)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna (in-network in TX)
  • Aetna - Medicare (in-network in TX)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (in-network in TX)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (in-network in TX)
  • Cigna (in-network in TX, SC, LA)
  • EAP:Cigna (in-network in TX, SC, LA)
  • EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum (in-network in TX, LA)
  • Humana (in-network in TX, LA)
  • Humana - Medicare (in-network in TX, LA)
  • Medicaid (in-network in TX)
  • Medicare (in-network in TX, LA)
  • Oscar Health (in-network in TX)
  • Oxford Health Plans (in-network in TX)
  • UMR (in-network in TX)
  • United Healthcare (in-network in TX)
  • United Medical Resources (in-network in TX)
  • UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid (in-network in TX)
  • UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid (in-network in TX)
  • UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare (in-network in TX)
  • UnitedHealthcare/Optum Dual (Medicare & Medicaid) (in-network in TX)

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$125 (55min)
  • Sliding scale:$100 - $125

Book a Free Initial Consultation

The practice will call you for a free 10 minute phone call to discuss your needs and ensure a match!

This provider has no upcoming call times available.