Biography
Patricia Ashby is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 25 years of counseling experience with individuals, couples and families. She is the owner of Family Legacy Counseling and also the owner/director of Workplace and Family Life Services, an employee assistance program providing counseling and referral services for the past 25 years for an Iowa company of 2800 employees. As part of that work, Pat created an on-site chaplaincy program for the company and hired and supervises eight chaplains. Pat earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work with a clinical emphasis in Family Therapy from the University of Iowa. She also studied at Azusa Pacific University in southern California, earning a major in Biblical studies. Pat and her husband, Dr. Ed Ashby, have served in pastoral ministry for 25 years, as well.
Areas of clinical practice include
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Codependency/Boundaries
- Marriage counseling
- Family relationships
- Divorce recovery
- Women’s adjustments in their life stages
Pat’s practice models include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (becoming aware of self-talk and learning how thoughts and feelings impact behavior) and Family Systems Therapy (learning to recognize messages and themes received growing up and how they impact our lives today). For clients who are Christian faith based in their life perspective, Pat enjoys integrating faith and scripture in counseling conversations, which provides a unique setting for healing and restoration of hope. In the counseling relationship, Pat offers warmth, humor, and practical ideas for growth.
In addition to counseling, Pat’s day to day schedule includes the overall management of the Family Legacy Counseling practice.
Therapist’s Statement:
I love the work of connecting with people and partnering with them on their journeys of personal growth. It’s a sacred privilege to sit with those who share their deepest longings and hurts and who are looking for hope. I don’t take their trust lightly, but invest myself in walking with them as they process pain, develop emotional strength, and learn healthy relational skills. It’s my goal during the counseling session to have each of my clients feel valued, safe, accepted, and cared about, and to leave feeling more hopeful.
As co-owner of the practice with my husband, I enjoy being involved in the growth and development of Family Legacy Counseling and partnering with the next generation of counselors as they find their places to serve here at FLC. We have a terrific staff of caring and qualified clinicians and office personnel. It’s my privilege to work alongside them and to experience their enthusiasm and passion for their work and for the people they serve.