Ashley Senderak, LCPC
Founder
Ashley is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois. She earned her Master’s degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Dayton. During her internship at AMITA Health – Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, she specialized in treating obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and anxiety disorders under the mentorship of a leading psychologist in the field.
Over the course of her career, Ashley has trained and worked at renowned treatment centers, providing care in Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for pediatric and adult clients. She served as the director of a child PHP program and played an active role in developing program curriculums. Since 2013, Ashley has also been practicing independently, offering compassionate and effective care to her clients.
Ashley’s motto, “Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable,” reflects her dedication to helping clients overcome challenges and regain a sense of freedom and joy in their lives. Known for her warmth, humor, and ability to build rapport quickly, Ashley fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship with her clients. She believes that involving the family system, while respecting the client’s confidentiality, is essential to enhancing treatment outcomes and reducing behaviors that may sustain symptoms.
Ashley utilizes evidence-based treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Habit Reversal Training (HRT). Her extensive training includes the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) through the International OCD Foundation, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) by Eli Lebovitz, PhD, and ongoing consultation with leaders in the field. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in working with the complexities of OCD and anxiety disorders.
While utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities, Ashley also genuinely values learning about her clients’ lives, incorporating these personal conversations into the therapeutic process. She understands that each client’s journey is unique and integrates these insights to guide them toward meaningful progress and growth.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys staying active through tennis, golf, and trips to the gym. She also loves exploring new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Ashley is dedicated to helping her clients achieve lasting change and looks forward to supporting them on their journey to wellness.
WGN Medical Watch
Ashley took center stage on WGN News in 2021, sharing her insightful perspective on the often misunderstood topic of panic attacks. Ashley's articulate and empathetic discourse provided viewers with valuable insights into the emotional and physical toll it can take. Adding a poignant layer to the discussion, a brave individual stepped forward to share his real-life experience with panic attacks, providing a powerful narrative. This dual perspective not only deepened the audience's understanding but also fostered a sense of connection and empathy. By featuring both Ashley's insights and a firsthand account, WGN News facilitated a meaningful conversation, breaking down barriers and encouraging a more open dialogue about mental health within the community.