Ashley Brooks, LICSW

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Ashley Brooks, LICSW

Therapy and Integrated Wellbeing

10/02/2026

Your first thought of the day matters more than you think

Your mindset sets the tone.
When you start the day expecting things to go wrong, small hiccups feel bigger than they are.

Try this instead:
“Today is going to be a good day.”

Not because life is perfect—
but because your nervous system responds to what you tell it.

Shift the lens. Watch the day meet you differently.

✨ Save this for your mornings

07/01/2026

In my last post I shared that I don’t set New Year’s resolutions

But.. that doesn’t mean I don’t have goals!

I recognize the importance of seasons and if we look at the natural world- it’s taking its time to rest during the winter.

Also, in Chinese astrology, the lunar new year isn’t until February.. that’s when the fire horse energy will start ✨

As I’ve been leaning in to spirituality and the metaphysical world over the past few years I have embraced a new practice that feels more aligned to my personal flow & is in line with universal energy.

Now, I take the month of January to rest and reflect. I review my year (journals, planners, etc) and then evaluate what went well, what did I accomplish and where I didn’t feel aligned.

Then, I set “intentions” and areas I would like to place more “focus” in the new year.

If there is a specific goal I want to achieve within the year, I will work on establishing a solid plan that sets me up for success.

This process releases unnecessary pressure we often put on ourselves to achieve and accomplish all the time. This also allows me to respect my energy and motivation during the dark and cold month. (And then I don’t beat up on myself 🤪)

I hope this helps someone if they’re already having feelings about the resolutions they may or may not have already set.

Trust yourself, listen to your body, rest is necessary.

05/01/2026

New Years Resolution’s typically don’t go well..

Here’s why

Most people don’t realize that there are stages a person has to move through in terms of readiness, ability and confidence to successfully make changes in their lives

We have to get “ready” before anything can really happen- plan for the set backs, the standard deviations that make up real life

Most everyone goes into their resolutions with the utmost desire for change but no real plan- the plan is the most important part

I don’t know who was leaving holiday festivities early to work on their plans but I know I wasn’t 💁🏼‍♀️

If you’re already feeling challenged or realize you might benefit from a professional perspective reach out and let’s see what we can make happen for you ✨

12/12/2025

Yesterday I sat in a local police department asking a hard question:

What do I do if a police officer is in immediate crisis while in therapy with me?

The short answer:
I follow the same safety steps I would with any other client. Safety has to come first.

The complexity:
If I take those steps…
Will this officer lose their job? Their livelihood?
Will their family face years of fallout?

This is the impossible position so many in law enforcement are in:

Be STRONG. Be DILIGENT. SAFETY FIRST.
But don’t be vulnerable enough to ask for help.
Don’t prioritize your own mental health.
Don’t let anyone know you’re struggling.

I’ve seen it over and over again:
Miracle workers who just want to serve their communities, suffering in silence.

And it breaks my heart.

Have you ever been so low that you knew you needed help, but didn’t feel like you had anywhere safe to turn?

I have.

For years I showed up to work, pouring my soul into helping others, all while knowing in the back of my mind:
“I probably need just as much help.”

As professional helpers, we tell ourselves we “shouldn’t” need support.
We “should” know the answers.

✨ Stop SHOULDING on yourself. ✨

Most professional helpers enter their field to heal or make sense of their own pain. We don’t become immune to real life because we have a license, a badge, or a title. We still have nervous systems. We still get overwhelmed. We still get brought to our knees.

If you are a professional helper—therapist, officer, nurse, advocate, first responder, educator—who also happens to need help:

I see you.
There is nothing “wrong” with you.
You are a human being who deserves care.

Support is available, and life on the other side of survival mode can be so, so beautiful. 💛

Sending healing thoughts to our law enforcement, our community, and all the helpers who quietly hold everyone else together.

09/12/2025

I often get asked how or when I knew I was meant to be a Social Worker—and I’m lucky enough to remember the exact moment.

I was a freshman at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, MA when my homeroom adopted a local family in need. I volunteered to help with the shopping, and I’ll never forget the joy I felt being able to give back. My own circumstances hadn’t always allowed for that before.

That moment planted a seed that’s still growing today.

Just a reminder that when we give back, we also feed our soul. Feeling deeply grateful for another year of serving my community and for the privilege of walking alongside others in their healing. ✨

If you’re here for mental health, healing, and heart-led work—follow along. 🤍

18/11/2025

I had a wonderful time at the annual Gala this year!!

90’s theme was so fun! And thrifting for a skirt was more my style than shopping for a gown 🤷🏼‍♀️

Glad to hear we surpassed the fundraising goal! 💪🏼

Thank you for all you do to support the needs of this community!

06/11/2025

Remember to celebrate your effort, not just the outcome. When we reward ourselves for doing hard things, we’re more likely to do them again!

What is your go to reward?? 💪🏼

03/11/2025

Sometimes connection feels complicated—whether it’s with a partner, your body, or even yourself.
When that happens, loving yourself isn’t about “fixing” what’s wrong. It’s about slowing down, leaning inward, and offering the gentleness you’ve been needing. 🤍

Which one of these reminders speaks to you most today?

15/10/2025

🌿 Proudly Celebrating 5 Years! 🌿

Today marks five years of incredible growth, healing, and transformation — both personally and in the lives of those I’ve had the privilege to support.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has entrusted me with their stories, courage, and journeys over the years. Your openness and resilience continue to inspire me every day.

Here’s to continued growth, connection, and transformation in the years ahead. 💫

— Ashley Brooks, LICSW

23/09/2025

When someone finds yours truly under the definition of empath ✨

Trust the process, if you’ve found me, we should probably work together 💖

17/09/2025

Having a solid social network is so important for a fulfilling life. Grateful to these MVP’s for being in this work alongside me and their guiding presence ✨

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http://www.ashleybrookslicsw.com/

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