Hi! My name is Ashlee Hess (she/her). I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Kutztown University, where I graduated in 2020. Before entering the outpatient therapy world, I worked in child welfare services and inpatient psychiatric care.
My biggest passion has always been to help others, and I am so grateful that I am able to achieve that passion as a therapist. Through my own healing journey, I have found grace in managing life stressors, so I know firsthand how frustrating and challenging things can be!
I counsel teens (13 and older), young adults, and adults for a variety of mental health challenges, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, life transitions, addiction, eating disorders, gifted youths & adults, infertility, LGBTQ struggles, sexual abuse, spirituality, suicidal ideation, self-harm, OCD, bipolar disorder, pregnancy, motherhood, and postpartum. I also specialize in counseling for helping professionals struggling with caregiver stress, sleep problems, and trauma.
As your partner in therapy, I will offer you a safe space to express yourself authentically. During sessions, I may encourage you to listen to your body and use mindfulness to connect with yourself and your surroundings.
My mantra is quite simple: I am here to help you help yourself. I do not have all the answers, but I am here to guide you as you find solutions within yourself through nonjudgment, active listening, and, of course, a sprinkle of humor.
My area of expertise is in trauma and PTSD, where I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to improve these conditions. EMDR is evidenced-based and is considered to be highly effective. I have had the pleasure of witnessing my clients experience complete transformations by utilizing EMDR in our therapy sessions. Helping my clients identify struggles and find new skills for managing or coping makes my work as a therapist feel very rewarding. Healing is possible, and you can grow into the person you were always meant to be.
I highly prioritize self-care and there are many things I like to do in my free time. My dog Ayla is my soulmate, and we love going on walks together at a park nearby along the river. I also enjoy spending time with my partner, family, and friends through game nights, celebrations, and trying new activities we’ve never done before.
Ask for an appointment if you think we might be a good fit. I look forward to the opportunity to learn about you.
PA License #SW137699
Ashlee Hess offers in-person therapy at the Emmaus Lehigh Valley therapy office and online therapy sessions for anyone in Pennsylvania.
Whether you are suffering from panic attacks, obsessive – compulsive disorder, or generalized anxiety we have therapists who use evidenced-based treatments, such as cognitive-bahavioral therapy, to help you.
Many individuals feel like they are at war with their bodies. Whether it’s feeling shame, guilt, or giving ourselves critical comments about our bodies, we can be our own worst enemy. Our therapists can help you feel at peace with your body and learn to be kind to yourself.
Caregiving for a loved one can be challenging even in the best of circumstances. Often we don’t think about how the caregiver needs support, too. If you are experiencing burnout, our therapists can teach you skills to help you cope.
Depression and anxiety are extremely common, but often under-diagnosed by medical providers during pregnancy and postpartum. Our providers have specialized training to help women with anxiety and depression in this specific period in their lives.
Depression, one of the most common mental health disorders, is very treatable. Our therapists are specially trained to help individuals with depression get back to feeling like themselves again.
Struggling with infertility can be so difficult, especially if no one around you has experienced something similar. It can feel like an isolating journey and people find they often need support to navigate the emotional aspects of the process. Our therapists have specialized training to help you.
Move Forward Counseling is an inclusive practice where we want the LGBTQIA+ community to feel welcome and supported. Whether you are unsure how to embrace your identity, are having relationship issues, or need extra support from a non-judgmental person, we have therapists who can help.
Life transitions encompass many things, including starting or ending a romantic relationship, changes with work or school or making any big life change, such as a move. Often we underestimate how these changes will affect us emotionally until we find ourselves struggling with the ups and downs of the life transition.
While we don’t provide couples counseling at Move Forward, many individuals seek counseling to discuss how they can have healthier relationships. Our therapists can help you learn new ways of communicating, setting boundaries, and other ways to have more positive relationships with others.
The period of adolescence can be exciting, but also challenging for many teens. Difficulties with friends, school, anxiety, depression, cutting, and substance abuse are all common issues for this group. Due to a lack of life experience, teens may not know how to manage these problems which is why therapy can be especially helpful.
Trauma symptoms and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be debilitating for many who experience it. Recovery from trauma is possible and we have therapists who can help.
Moving into adulthood brings its own set of challenges. You may feel pressure to have a “career” or find your life partner. You may be unsure of making these big life decisions and may feel lost because you no longer have school or other adults in your life telling you what you should choose.
Reach out today to get started. Our supportive staff will help guide you through the scheduling process, discuss special requests and consult your insurance needs.
Therapy is available online across Pennsylvania, with in-person therapy options at the Lancaster, Lancaster Downtown, Lebanon, Pittsburgh, Hershey, Lehigh Valley and York locations.
825 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
226 N Arch Street 2nd Floor, Lancaster, PA 17603
445 Mountville Drive, Lebanon, PA 17046
100 Keystone Ave, Suite 1, Emmaus, PA 18049
935 E. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, PA 17033
201 S. Craig St, Suite 1M, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
1410 E Market Street, York, PA 17403
Across Pennsylvania
Monday 7:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m.
Tues-Friday 8 a.m. till 5:30 p.m.