Ashlyn LaVine, LMFT-C
Learn more on Ashlyn's full website
How I Began My Journey to Becoming a Therapist
I've always been "that friend" – the one who gets late-night texts, the "Can I talk to you?" calls and spontaneous life updates. Listening to people's stories never felt like a burden. Instead, I found myself drawn to the beauty and complexity of the human experience.
By my sophomore year of high school, I felt called to counseling. Back then, I imagined it meant sitting in an office, listening, and offering encouragement. Over time, education, training and life experience taught me that being a therapist is about so much more.
This passion led me to an undergraduate degree in psychology, where I discovered my love for couples and family counseling. Graduate studies deepened my skills, allowing me to create spaces of safety and validation for people facing difficulties. Therapy, for me, is about meeting human to human, fostering curiosity and exploring what truly matters.
Area of Expertise and Why I Chose It
EMDR with Individual Adults, Teens, and Kids (8+)
Whether it's "Big T" traumas (like loss or assault) or "Little t" traumas (like moving or feeling left out), EMDR has been a transformative tool. It helps untangle negative beliefs and opens the door to deeper, lived truths. Personally, EMDR has given me a stronger sense of identity and peace. I've seen clients find relief from intrusive thoughts, ease chronic pain and rediscover themselves in profound ways.
Couples and Family Therapy with the Gottman Method
Relationships are part of how we're wired, but they don't always come easily. The Gottman Method offers practical tools that help couples bridge the gap between "talking about feelings" and creating real, sustainable change. Couples who work with me, whether navigating specific challenges or seeking growth, learn how to communicate for understanding, manage conflict from an "I'm on your team" perspective and heal resentments that have blocked deeper intimacy.
Discernment Counseling for Couples
For couples uncertain about their future, Discernment Counseling offers a supportive space. It’s designed for partners who are on the fence about committing to the hard work of reconciliation or leaning toward separation. We explore motivations, concerns and hopes, helping couples gain clarity and confidence about their next steps without pressure or assumptions.
How I Approach Therapy
My purpose is to walk alongside individuals, couples and families as they seek purpose, connection and trust. While EMDR and the Gottman Method are my primary approaches, I often integrate tools from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy and Attachment Theory. Every client is unique and I believe in tailoring my approach to meet each person's needs and goals.
That said, the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship itself. True change happens when we strengthen the relationship we have with ourselves and my goal is to create a space where that growth feels safe and possible.
What Makes Me and My Practice Unique
A client once told me, "I love how I can tell you anything, and your response is, 'Okay, do you want to work on that?' You've helped me feel safe and accepted, to honor my nervous system, but also dig deeper to become the healthiest, whole version of myself."
This captures my approach. I offer deep acceptance for where you are while encouraging you to move toward where you want to be. Whether you're an individual, a partner, a parent or a friend, I'm here to support and challenge you in discovering your healthiest, most authentic self.
What I Am Like Outside of the Office
Outside the therapy room, you'll probably find me reading (historical fiction or therapy-related), enjoying a nap, or at a Barre fitness class (working off my love for chips and salsa). I thrive on time with family and friends and nothing makes me happier than good Mexican food from our favorite local spots. Like a houseplant, I do best when I'm fed, watered and soaking up some sunshine.
I'm a proud Northern Colorado native who appreciates the rhythm of the four seasons – they remind me to pause and embrace change. I tend to live in the moment and never miss a chance to laugh at myself. Life’s too short not to find the humor along the way!
Ashlyn LaVine has a B.A. in Human Development and Psychology from Life Pacific University and a Master’s degree in Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling from George Fox University. She has completed EMDRIA-approved training in Basic EMDR therapy, EMDR with Kids and Teens and EMDR 2.0, Gottman Level 1 Couples Counseling, Treating Affairs and Trauma through the Gottman Institute and is a certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator.
Areas of Expertise
Premarital Therapy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Affair Recovery (Couple’s Work)
Discernment Couples Counseling
Adult Child/Parent Family Therapy
EMDR Therapy (Adults, Teens, Kids 8+)
Relationship challenges
Distress Tolerance skills
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