Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ashley Baines.
Dr. Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My professional journey has been shaped by education, clinical practice, and a growing global perspective on mental health.
My journey began in a small town in Texas, where my family’s roots shaped an early appreciation for community, perseverance, and opportunity. From an early age, I was exposed to the value of growth and forward thinking—principles that would later guide both my educational and professional paths.
I spent much of my childhood in Sugar Land, Texas, where access to strong educational systems and community resources shaped my early academic experiences and future professional interests.
Education became the primary pathway through which my purpose developed. I completed my K–12 education in Fort Bend ISD, graduated from George Bush High School, and pursued undergraduate studies at Sam Houston State University. Following college, I entered the field of education, teaching in elementary and special education settings. These formative professional experiences deepened my interest in student development and support systems.
I later earned my master’s degree at Prairie View A&M University and became a school counselor. Working closely with students and families reinforced the importance of comprehensive mental health support within educational environments and clarified the direction of my professional growth.
This progression led me back to Sam Houston State University to pursue a doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. Returning in this capacity marked a period of professional clarity and expansion, allowing me to contribute not only through clinical work, but also through teaching, training, and the preparation of future mental health professionals.
As my work evolved, so did my understanding of mental health as a global concern. What began in local educational and clinical settings expanded into international engagement through teaching, training, and professional collaboration. Experiences in locations such as Athens, Greece, and Bangkok, Thailand broadened my perspective and strengthened my commitment to culturally informed mental health practice.
Today, I serve as a counselor educator and therapist, balancing clinical practice with teaching and professional service. My work bridges local and international contexts, grounded in the belief that effective mental health support is strengthened by education, cultural awareness, and collaboration.
My story continues to unfold, guided by a commitment to learning, service, and connection. What began as a career rooted in education has grown into work that spans multiple settings and communities, united by a shared focus on mental health and well-being.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My professional path has not followed a linear or effortless trajectory. Like many long-term careers, it has been shaped by periods of challenge that required growth, adjustment, and perseverance.
During my undergraduate years, I encountered academic and emotional demands that initially exceeded my preparedness. Managing anxiety, developing effective study strategies, and gaining clarity around my direction took time. These experiences underscored the importance of skill-building, self-awareness, and support during critical developmental stages.
That period was further complicated by personal loss. Experiencing grief early in adulthood affected my focus and sense of stability while I was still learning how to navigate higher education and independence. At the same time, financial pressures and limited exposure to clear professional role models made long-term goals feel distant and undefined.
Progress emerged gradually. By my junior year of undergraduate study, I had begun to develop the structure, confidence, and resilience needed to move forward. I learned how to persist through difficulty, adapt to changing demands, and remain committed even when progress felt incremental.
The intensity of the challenge resurfaced during my doctoral training. Balancing rigorous academic expectations, clinical responsibilities, and significant personal transitions required difficult decisions and sustained focus. I stepped away from a professional role I valued deeply in order to fully engage in the demands of doctoral study. That period marked a time of both loss and transition, as well as renewed clarity around my long-term goals.
While there were numerous obstacles along the way, each experience contributed to my professional development. These moments reinforced the value of resilience, intentional decision-making, and perseverance. Although the path was not easy, it proved formative—shaping both the professional I have become and the way I approach teaching, clinical work, and mentorship today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the core of my work is a commitment to effective mental health education and practice. My approach is grounded in the belief that mental wellness is essential and should be delivered with intention, competence, and respect for the diverse contexts in which people live and work.
I am a counselor educator and therapist whose work spans clinical practice, higher education, professional training, and community engagement. In my private practice, I support individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and stress related to personal and professional demands. My clinical approach is trauma-informed and emphasizes thoughtful assessment, emotional regulation, and practical strategies that support long-term well-being.
What distinguishes my work is the integration of practice, teaching, and professional experience. I bring together academic training, clinical expertise, and real-world application, allowing me to engage with clients, students, and professional audiences in ways that are both informed and grounded. This integration shapes how I teach, how I practice, and how I approach professional development across settings.
From a brand perspective, I am most proud of the alignment across all areas of my work. Whether in the therapy room, the classroom, or professional training spaces, my focus remains consistent: supporting clarity, resilience, and sustainable growth. My work emphasizes preparation, reflection, and the development of skills that allow individuals and professionals to move forward with confidence.
Beyond clinical practice, my platform continues to expand into speaking, training, and consultation. I deliver workshops and presentations focused on mental health, professional sustainability, and effective support systems—particularly within educational and helping professions. This phase of my work reflects a commitment to broader reach and impact, extending beyond one-on-one spaces into organizations, institutions, and professional communities.
What I want readers to know is that this work is continuing to evolve with intention. While it is rooted locally, the vision extends beyond geographic boundaries. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to conversations about mental health education and practice in ways that are thoughtful, accessible, and responsive to the needs of individuals and communities across settings. This work is ongoing, and it represents the next stage of a professional journey focused on growth, contribution, and impact.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that often surprises people is that my path has not always felt clear or linear. While my work today may reflect confidence and leadership, much of my journey has been shaped by perseverance, learning through experience, and gradually trusting my own direction. I’m deeply grateful for my parents —their sacrifices, encouragement, and steady presence helped create the foundation that made my growth possible, even during seasons when I was still finding my footing.
What is less visible is how much of my work is grounded in stillness and intention. Behind the professional roles and public-facing responsibilities are moments of reflection, prayer, and faith that help anchor my work and decisions. My relationship with Jesus Christ has been a constant source of strength and direction, shaping how I approach purpose, service, and care for others. Those quieter moments have been just as formative as any milestone, reminding me that growth is not only about forward movement, but about remaining grounded in what truly matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abainescounseling.com
- Instagram: drashleybaines
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/54xHMl7XMt0DSmD70SxvXY
