Helping Professionals Interview Series: Ashley Menke, MS, LPC, NCC of Allied Counseling LLC

This week we are so happy to share with you our most recent interview with Ashley Menke, MS, LPC, NCC of Allied Counseling LLC. Read more from Ashley below to learn about how she works with St. Louis teens and adults!

Ashley Menke, MS, LPC, NCC

Why did you choose to become a counselor in St. Louis?

I went to therapy after my parents divorced and learned pretty quickly how helpful it was. It was the first time someone was able to put what was in my head into words and really made an impact on how my parents and I could better communicate with each other. It took a while for the connection to be made that I could do the same, but once I realized I wanted to help people that way, everything clicked.

I originally lived in Ohio and was preparing for licensure there, but my husband got a job offer in St Louis, so we moved to Missouri and I started working towards licensure here instead. Honestly, though, I just wanted to be a counselor and didn't mind where I ended up as long as I could do something I was passionate about.

What kind of treatment do you provide?

I provide talk therapy that focuses on Attachment, ADHD and autism.

From a more general perspective, no two people are the same, even if the diagnosis is.  There's also still so much stigma that exists and a lot of the work I do includes helping people address the stigma and internalization of other people's expectations of how they should think, feel, act, etc in the world.

Briefly, what is ART Therapy and what can people expect from ART therapy?

ART is short for Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Similar to EMDR, it has eye movements and uses a script. Clients can expect a lot of instances throughout an ART session where I encourage them to check in with themselves physically to recognize and address any sensations they are feeling in response to what we are addressing. 

ART is flexible in that it doesn't have to be used consistently. I typically use it in addition to talk therapy to address traumatic events clients may be struggling to confront through talk sessions alone. ART is also something that can be used for one session or a sequence of sessions based on what my clients and I are comfortable with or think would work best.

What happens during a first appointment with you?

I get to know you. We have a conversation and build a relationship. I try not to make it too terribly formal. I don't have your paperwork sitting on my lap or anything like that. I just want to get to know you and what I can help you with.

What ages do you work with?

16+

Who are your favorite types of clients to work with and when would you refer out?

My favorite types of clients are the ones that work hard in session. I have an ongoing joke that if I'm gonna work, you're gonna work harder. 

Sometimes referring out is the natural progression of therapy. Other times, I'm just not the right fit. Typically, if I get to a point with a client where we have addressed everything I can help address, and there are things showing up that I don't specialize in, then we have a conversation about next steps. 

I would also definitely refer out if someone came to me with a need I wasn't trained to address. Which is less about discomfort for me and more about making sure that the person in question is getting the best care possible.

Could you talk a little about your approach and how it plays into your work with people recovering from anxiety?

My approach is casual. I also encourage conversation and dialogue, but I cater sessions to what each client needs and no one is exactly the same. Allowing a calm and empowering space for people is always the first step for supporting those recovering from and also struggling with anxiety.

Do you see people virtually and, if so, what do you like about on-line therapy?

I'm hybrid so I see some clients in person and most virtually. I live about thirty minutes from the city, so it's convenient. I also enjoy the flexibility in my schedule because I don't have to make space in my day for transportation to and from my office on the days I provide telehealth sessions.

What do your clients like about on-line therapy?

Flexibility, hands down.

What do you wish people knew about going to counseling?

It's okay if it's stressful and intimidating at first. But counselors are people too.  A big part of the healing process in counseling is to just have human connection while you're working through hard things. We're not there to judge you, we get it. We just want to help you work through it.

Share one fun fact about you that most people don’t know.

Despite coming from a musical family, I don't know how to play an instrument and can't hold a tune.

Want to learn more about working with Ashley?

You can reach Ashley through email at alliedcounselingstl@gmail.com.

You read more about Ashley, her team and Allied Counseling LLC at these links:

Website: https://alliedcounselingstlouis.com

Instagram: @alliedstl

Curious to learn more about getting treatment for anxiety and anxiety-driven anger or interested in getting individualized parent coaching? Wondering if you need to connect with a therapist in St. Louis? Contact Compassionate Counseling St. Louis to set up a free 15-minute phone consult. We’ll talk about what’s going on and best next steps - and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll connect you with other wonderful St. Louis-based therapists, like Ashley!

Curious to learn more about anxiety and anxiety-driven anger? Reach out to us at hello@compassionatecounselingstl.com. As child anxiety experts, we love working with kids, teens, college students and parents to help manage their anxiety, stress, and anger. Compassionate Counseling St. Louis is located in Clayton, MO and works with families by offering both in-person counseling and online therapy throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Ladue, University City, Town and Country, Webster Groves, Creve Couer, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood. We also provide online therapy Missouri -wide to teens and college students. You can set up your first free consult on this website, on our consultation page.