Ashley Pinto MA, LCPC, CCTP

Hi! I'm Ashley Pinto, the Founder and CEO of ICG, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of IL. I currently see clients during the weekdays only, in my Naperville office and via telehealth to Illinois residents.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

I have over two decades of experience providing mental health services in a variety of settings including hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient therapy practices. I earned a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2008 and have achieved advanced education to become a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). My current ideal clients are adult women, 18-60 years old. I am experienced in working with anxiety and depressive disorders, acute and developmental/complex trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, women's issues and maternal mental health. I have been a professional member of the Illinois Counseling Association for many years and I have earned certificates of advanced training in Applied Polyvagal Theory in Therapeutic Yoga, Psychotherapy for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. I have also completed advanced training in Somatic Experiencing (Level 1), Polyvagal Theory, and Sensorimotor approaches to further expand my skills in body-orientated therapies and specialized trauma treatment.  I am LGBTQ+ affirmative and use the pronouns  she/her.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

My therapeutic approach utilizes a mind-body wellness lens that combines somatic therapies with other evidence-based psychotherapy techniques (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), along with the promotion of healthier lifestyle habits that have been shown to produce better mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I am known for being authentic, at times to a fault. Working with me may feel like I'm your hypewoman at times AND I will respectfully call you out on some BS or inconsistency with your own goals. I use a lot of shame-reducing education to empower you, as well as strategically-timed humor. If you want to laugh and cry during the course of therapy, I'm for you - Warning: this very well may happen in the same session. 

WHO AM I REALLY?

 I am a proud Canadian immigrant, wife of a US Navy veteran, and mother to three young boys (aka The Wolfpack). I'm wildy passionate about good food, music, brightly colored sneakers, travel, nature, warm smiles and genuine human connection. In my free time, I enjoy nature hikes or bikes with my family and 80lb Goldendoodle, puzzles, a wide range of ethnic cuisines, and immersing in my multicultural family identity.