Meet Ashley Rodriguez | CEO/Owner & Executive Supervisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I thought I would never be an entrepreneur in private practice because I did not like the concept of Math. I am gaining a new respect, but you could not convince me then. I was deathly afraid of messing up something like taxes and losing it all. Reflecting, I find it interesting that, throughout the years of graduate school, several people I met would ask me or tell me about starting my practice. I thought it was absurd, but in hindsight, it ignited the courage and fearlessness I needed to take the leap and journey into the wild unknown.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
A&R Counseling LLC is more than just a mental health practice; it’s a sacred sanctuary where healing begins and hope becomes restored through authentic, healthy connection and attunement of self and others. What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care, particularly to underserved communities such as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and veterans. We pride ourselves on our ability to understand and honor the unique stories of each client, fostering an environment where everyone is seen, heard, and respected. I am immensely proud of this practice, which started as a humble solo practice sharing space with my son’s bedroom and has expanded with several mental health providers now seeing clients in person. Our journey has been fueled by a passion for making a real difference in people’s lives, driven by personal experiences with adversity that taught me the power of empathy and support. Every step forward has been a step towards changing how mental health care is perceived and delivered, ensuring that no one has to suffer in silence. Today, as we look to expand and touch more lives, I am excited about the future and the endless possibilities to heal and empower more individuals. This isn’t just a business; it’s a life mission, and every day brings us closer to a world where mental wellness is accessible to all.
It was not easy by any stretch of the imagination. We experienced limitations and faced setbacks and challenges. Sometimes, I felt like throwing in the towel trying to produce this vision while operating as a wife and mother and completing a PhD in Clinical Psychology. I learned to step back and rely on my village in those trying moments and rely on my village. It’s so tempting to take shortcuts and the easy way out, but I have learned to stay true and believe in the vision you were given because it was given to you for a reason. If it were meant for anyone else, it would be theirs. I anchor myself in that belief and continue pressing forward. I want the world to know that you can achieve your goals and dreams the way that you want to do them while staying true to yourself. You don’t have to code-switch or compromise your value system, even if it takes a bit longer. Commit to the process with integrity, and what is meant for you will come to fruition in its organic and right time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am such a foodie! My husband and I are usually out in Denver town for date days/nights every other weekend. One of my favorite spots is Atelier by Radex. They have the most amazing French cuisine. I also enjoy Eddie Merlot’s or Perry’s Steakhouse for a great steak dinner. When I am looking for a more low-key vibe and aesthetic, I usually hide out at the Murphy Creek Tavern because they have never messed up a dish, and the staff is amazingly friendly. If I am not with my husband, I usually pop into a hideaway corner with a good read.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I am thankful to God, my ancestors, and all the benevolent forces that have supported and protected my traveled path. I am grateful to my husband and our 5-year-old son Kaleb; they are my best friends and core base. I am grateful to my Executive Assistant and HR Manager, Nadia, who is also a phenomenal driving force behind the success of this thriving trauma practice. I am grateful to my amazing mentors, Dr. Russell Fulmer and Dr. Letitia Browne-James, who have guided my professional growth and evolvement, confidently preparing me to pass the baton forward to my staff. I am grateful to my village and the members of my group practice for their unwavering love and support as we move forward with our growth and expansion goals. Finally, I acknowledge and stand on the shoulders of the trailblazers who came before me, sacrificing beyond measure for the advancements that we experience today. With great honor and humility, I continue the work with full passion and fervor.

Website: https://www.a-rcounseling.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anrcllc/