Ashley Hudson Therapy

Ashley Hudson Therapy Ashley specializes in individual counseling and parenting specifically working with teens, young adults, and parents of teens.

Specialties include: anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and adjustment.

Teens don’t always say what they feel, but their actions speak volumes 📣.Misinterpreting these behaviors can lead to dis...
12/27/2024

Teens don’t always say what they feel, but their actions speak volumes 📣.

Misinterpreting these behaviors can lead to disconnection 😔, but when you decode their meaning, you create a bridge to understanding and trust ❤️.

Here’s what those behaviors might really mean:

1️⃣ The Eye Roll 🙄

What it means: They feel irritated, unheard, or overwhelmed by nagging or repetition.

How to respond: Pause 🛑 and ask yourself if you’re repeating yourself unnecessarily. Try saying: “I see this is frustrating for you—let’s talk when we’re both ready.”

2️⃣ Isolating in Their Room 🚪

What it means: They’re overwhelmed and need a safe space to recharge 🌱.

How to respond: Respect their need for downtime ⏳. Say: “I noticed you’ve been in your room a lot. If you need space, that’s okay, but I’m here when you’re ready.”

3️⃣ Telling You What Bothers Them 🗣️

What it means: They’re showing courage 💪 and vulnerability 🫶 by opening up, even though they risk feeling rejected.

How to respond: Validate their feelings 💕. Say: “Thank you for sharing that. I can see why it’s upsetting, and I’m here to support you.”

4️⃣ Sitting Near You in Silence 🤝

What it means: They’re comforted by your presence 🛋️ and find security in just being near you.

How to respond: Acknowledge this without putting pressure on them to talk. Say: “I love having you here with me—it means a lot.”

Your teen is always communicating something, even if it’s not in the way you expect 💬. When you take the time to decode their actions and respond with understanding, you build trust, connection, and a relationship where they feel safe to be themselves 🌟.

✨ Follow for more parenting tips! ✨

Teens don’t always express their feelings in words, but their actions can speak louder than anything they say. 🗣️ Misint...
12/05/2024

Teens don’t always express their feelings in words, but their actions can speak louder than anything they say. 🗣️ Misinterpreting these behaviors could mean missing what they’re really trying to communicate.

1️⃣ The Eye Roll 🙄
What it means: They’re irritated, likely because they don’t feel heard or are frustrated by nagging.
How to respond: Pause and ask, “Am I truly listening, or repeating myself?” Instead of lecturing, try saying, “I see this is frustrating for you—let’s talk about what’s really bothering you.”

2️⃣ Isolating in Their Room 🛏️
What it means: They’re overstimulated or overwhelmed and need a safe space to decompress.
How to respond: Respect their alone time and let them know you’re there when they’re ready. Say, “I noticed you’ve been in your room a lot. If you need space, that’s okay, but I’m here if you want to talk.”

3️⃣ Telling You What Bothers Them
What it means: This is huge. Sharing what’s wrong takes courage—they’re risking rejection or misunderstanding.
How to respond: Validate their feelings, even if you don’t agree. Say, “Thank you for sharing. I see why that’s upsetting, and I want to support you.”

4️⃣ Being in the Same Room With You 🛋️
What it means: They value your presence and feel comforted just being near you.
How to respond: Appreciate these moments. Say, “I love having you here—it means a lot,” or enjoy the moment without pressure to talk.

Your teen is always communicating something, even if it’s not how you expect. 💙 Save this post for the next time you’re wondering what their behavior really means. ✨

You’ve tried everything:✨ Talking calmly.✨ Setting boundaries.✨ Giving them space.But no matter what, it feels like your...
12/03/2024

You’ve tried everything:

✨ Talking calmly.

✨ Setting boundaries.

✨ Giving them space.

But no matter what, it feels like your teen is slipping away. Conversations end in silence, door slams, or arguments.

You may think: “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.” But here’s the truth: Your situation isn’t unique, and it can be turned around.

Connection isn’t about being perfect—it’s about what happens after things go wrong.

💡 Try this:

- After an argument: “I know things got heated earlier, but I want to understand where you’re coming from.”
- When they withdraw: “I can see you’re feeling distant. I’m here when you’re ready.”

These small steps teach your teen that your relationship is stronger than any disagreement.

This is exactly what we focus on in The Connected Parent Group Program. With the right tools, breakthroughs happen all the time.

✨ Imagine having confident, meaningful conversations and seeing your relationship grow stronger every day.

Doors are closing soon! Don’t miss your chance to turn things around.

💌 Comment “INTERESTED” or DM me now for details!

Is your teen giving you the silent treatment? Here’s how to break through without pushing them further away. 💬You ask a ...
11/26/2024

Is your teen giving you the silent treatment? Here’s how to break through without pushing them further away. 💬

You ask a simple question, and all you get is silence. You try again, and they retreat further. Frustrating, right? 😩

Here’s the thing: The silent treatment is rarely about what’s said—it’s about what’s not being heard. Your teen might feel overwhelmed, judged, or scared of your reaction. What they need isn’t pressure—it’s reassurance that you’re a safe space. 💞

Here’s a simple approach:

1️⃣ Say: "I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet. Just want you to know I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk."
2️⃣ Follow up with: "Take your time—I’m here to listen whenever you’re ready."

Why it works: You’re removing pressure while showing you’re available. This gives your teen space to process and come to you when they’re ready. 🌱

Many parents unintentionally push teens away by asking things like, "What’s wrong? Why won’t you talk to me?" Instead, this small shift in language builds Connection Matches, helping your teen feel seen and safe.

We dive deeper into tools like this in The Connected Parent Program. Imagine knowing exactly what to say without fear of making things worse. 🚪 Doors close in 6 days! Comment “INTERESTED” or DM me for details! ❤️

If every conversation with your teen turns into an argument, try this one approach to break through the wall.🤔 Ever feel...
11/25/2024

If every conversation with your teen turns into an argument, try this one approach to break through the wall.

🤔 Ever feel like no matter what you say, your teen shuts down? You’re trying your best, but it feels like every conversation ends with frustration instead of connection.

💭 Here’s the thing: You might be speaking to your teen in a way that doesn’t resonate emotionally. They feel misunderstood, so they shut down. It’s not what you’re saying, but how you’re saying it.

✨ In my work with parents, I teach something called Connection Match™—where what you say creates safety, understanding, and connection. It’s about finding a “communication match” so your teen feels heard instead of judged.

💡 The Acknowledge, Pause, Invite Approach 💡

1️⃣ Acknowledge their feelings:

"I can see that this is really upsetting for you. Let’s talk about it when you’re ready."

2️⃣ Pause before giving advice:

Give them space to process emotions without rushing to fix it.

3️⃣ Invite them to share:

"I’m here if you need me. We’ll figure this out together."

This approach works because it validates your teen. When they feel understood, they’re more likely to open up.

🛑 Many parents focus on delivering their message, but not on how it’s being received. If your words don’t match your teen’s emotional state, it creates disconnect. Adjust your language to resonate, and the walls come down.

✨ That’s why I created The Connected Parent Program! It gives you tools and scripts to develop a Connection Match—turning arguments into conversations and disconnection into trust.

💌 Comment “READY” below or DM me for details. Doors close soon—don’t miss your chance to join!

Does your teen feel more like a roommate than family? 💔 It’s tough watching the once-talkative, affectionate kid drift i...
11/22/2024

Does your teen feel more like a roommate than family? 💔 It’s tough watching the once-talkative, affectionate kid drift into silence and isolation. But here’s the truth: it’s not your teen—it’s the disconnection.

Your teen isn’t rejecting you. They crave connection just as much as you do but need help breaking through the disconnection. Here’s how I’d guide you:

👉 Show Genuine Interest: Ask things like, “What’s been on your mind lately?” to show you see them as they are today.

👉 Decode Their Behavior: Behavior is communication—what’s behind it?

👉 Discover Their Love Language: Love hits differently when it speaks their language.

👉 Repair the Hurt: Rebuild trust and open the door to connection.

💡 Want to turn disconnection into meaningful conversations and trust? Comment "INTERESTED" below for details on my 5-week group program, The Connected Parent. Let’s make your teen feel safe, seen, and loved again. 💕

💭 "I worry my teen’s behavior will spiral out of control, and I won’t know how to help them. So I end up using fear, thr...
11/21/2024

💭 "I worry my teen’s behavior will spiral out of control, and I won’t know how to help them. So I end up using fear, threats, and criticism to stop it."

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. When parents feel scared and overwhelmed by their teen’s behavior, it’s natural to react. Many parents find themselves resorting to fear-based tactics as a way to regain control.

Here’s what that can look like:

- Threats: "At this rate, don’t expect any help from us with college expenses."
- Criticism: "At your age, I was doing much more than you’re capable of."
- Contempt: "I can’t believe you’re my child. You’re such a disappointment."
- Conditional Love: "I’ll give you a hug when you apologize and actually mean it."

🚨 The intention might be to stop negative behavior, but the result is often the opposite. These fear-based reactions leave teens feeling more anxious, depressed, and distant. Over time, this approach can erode trust and make your teen feel unsupported and alone.

🔑 The real problem isn’t your teen’s behavior—it’s how you’re responding to it. Reacting with anger, intimidation, or withdrawing love happens because parents don’t have the right tools. Without those tools, your efforts can unintentionally worsen your teen’s mental health and disconnect your relationship even further.

✨ Imagine no longer feeling stuck in a cycle of fear, threats, and guilt. Instead, you’ll feel equipped to handle even the toughest moments with calm, confidence, and connection.

📌 Join my 5-week group program, The Connected Parent, where I’ll teach you the strategies to replace fear-based tactics with tools that actually work.

💬 Comment “INTERESTED” below, and I’ll send you all the details! Let’s create the connection and trust you’ve been searching for with your teen. 💖

The Affirmation Shift That Helped My Client Rebuild Trust and Communication with Her Son 💬🤝When my client first came to ...
11/20/2024

The Affirmation Shift That Helped My Client Rebuild Trust and Communication with Her Son 💬🤝

When my client first came to me, she felt stuck. Her teenage son was shut down, guarded, and barely spoke to her. She’d light up when he walked in, excited to connect, only to feel crushed when he went straight to his room.

On a good day, she might get one or two-word responses, but meaningful conversations? They felt impossible. She needed daily strategies to rebuild trust and communication.

✨ Here’s how I helped her go from NO COMMUNICATION to MEANINGFUL TALKS:

⏩ I helped her figure out what her son needed most to boost his confidence. 💪

⏩ I helped her decode his love language to support him emotionally. 🧡

⏩ I gave her an affirmation roadmap to rebuild trust and foster openness. 🗺️✨

The results were incredible. After just one week, her son opened up about his struggles with soccer—something he’d never done before.

She felt a SHIFT in their communication and trust. It was a breakthrough moment filled with gratitude and excitement. 🎉

The right strategies make all the difference. When you focus on your teen’s needs—confidence, trust, and emotional support—you create space for meaningful conversations.

👉 Comment “INTERESTED” below if you’re ready to rebuild trust and communication with your teen. Let’s talk about how my 5-week Connected Parent Program can help! 💕

Building a deeper connection with your teen can feel daunting, especially if you’re worried about saying the wrong thing...
11/20/2024

Building a deeper connection with your teen can feel daunting, especially if you’re worried about saying the wrong thing or creating more distance. 🤔

But here’s the truth: the rewards of fostering this connection are life-changing—not just for your teen, but for you, too. 🌟

You’ve tried being available or giving them space, but the closeness you want just isn’t there.

Here’s the good news: Building connection isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing it differently. 💡 When you focus on creating safety, trust, and emotional openness, the relationship transforms.

Here’s what happens when you prioritize connection:

1️⃣ Your teen will come to you when they feel excluded or overwhelmed.
2️⃣ They’ll trust you to listen without judgment.
3️⃣ You’ll feel confident approaching tough topics.
4️⃣ You’ll smile more and enjoy your time together. 😊
5️⃣ You’ll know when to give space and when to step in.

This approach isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present. 🌱 When you SHIFT the way you connect with your teen, trust grows, and guilt fades.

✨ Imagine your teen trusting you, feeling joyful, and knowing how to repair disconnection.

👉 Comment “INTERESTED” below to learn about my 5-week Connected Parent Program. Let’s build the relationship you’ve always wanted with your teen! 💕

Ever caught yourself saying, “Gosh, I do everything for you, and you just don’t care!”? 😤💔 It’s so frustrating when you ...
11/19/2024

Ever caught yourself saying, “Gosh, I do everything for you, and you just don’t care!”? 😤💔 It’s so frustrating when you pour your love and support into your teen, only to be met with silence, dismissal, or even attitude. You’re trying so hard to show you care, but it feels like they don’t even notice.

Why does this happen? Why does it feel like your love doesn’t get through? 🤔

Here’s the truth: it’s not that your teen doesn’t care—it’s that you’re not speaking their unique love language. 🗣️💕 Each teen has their own way of feeling supported and encouraged. If you’re showing love in ways that don’t resonate with them, it can feel invisible or even overwhelming.

Ask yourself:
👉 Have you noticed how your teen responds to different kinds of encouragement?
👉 Do you know what truly motivates or comforts them?
👉 Have you taken the time to understand how they want love to be delivered?

💡 Every teen is unique, and connection becomes so much easier when you learn their love language. Whether it’s through words, actions, time, or support, knowing how they need love helps your teen feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for. 🥰✨

One of the most powerful tools I teach in the Connected Parent Group Program is my 5 Love Languages for Teens Guide. It’s packed with actionable examples for showing love in a way that’s unique to your teen, making them feel more loved, appreciated, and grateful. 🙌

Stop guessing how to connect and start understanding exactly what your teen needs. 💬 Comment INTERESTED below, and I’ll send you the details about The Connected Parent Group Program. Let’s make connection easier and more meaningful than ever. ❤️🌟

You might feel like your teen’s distance is your fault 😔 You just want to reconnect, have meaningful conversations, and ...
11/15/2024

You might feel like your teen’s distance is your fault 😔 You just want to reconnect, have meaningful conversations, and build a stronger bond without feeling like you’re walking on eggshells or driving them further away. But the more you try, the more it feels like they retreat.

To fix this, you’ve probably tried…

❓ Asking more questions

⏱️ Spending more time with them

💬 Giving them advice

…hoping they’ll open up. Maybe you’ve even pulled back yourself, thinking they need space to come to you on their own. But none of it seems to work, and the distance only grows 😞

Here’s the truth: you’re not failing as a parent 💕 Teens pulling away is a natural part of their development—it’s how they explore independence 🌱

The problem isn’t your effort; your approach doesn’t work when they’re trying to establish autonomy. What’s missing is a shift in how you approach the connection. Teens need to feel safe, not judged and they need to know their emotions are validated. It’s about meeting them where they are—showing them you’re there without forcing them to open up.

The unique approach you’re missing is focusing on emotional safety and connection-building strategies 💡 This includes validating their feelings even when they push back, creating space for them to come to you, and learning how to communicate in a way that aligns with their emotional needs 🗝️

Continuing with strategies that don’t resonate with them is costing you more than you realize—trust, connection, and the closeness you both truly want. Without the right tools, the gap can grow wider, leaving you feeling stuck and your teen feeling misunderstood 💔

What you want is a relationship where your teen feels comfortable coming to you, not just in moments of crisis 🚨 but to share their world —where there’s trust, mutual respect, and deep understanding 🤝

The Connected Parent Program is now open! Comment ✨INTERESTED✨ below, and I’ll send you all the details about my 5-week program designed to help you reconnect with your teen and build the relationship you both need 💙

❓Ever feel like it’s a battle to get your teen out of their room? You’re not alone. Teens often retreat to their rooms b...
11/12/2024

❓Ever feel like it’s a battle to get your teen out of their room? You’re not alone. Teens often retreat to their rooms because it’s a space that feels calm, free from criticism, and less overwhelming than the rest of the house. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want to spend time with you—they just need a little nudge that speaks their language.

Here’s a simple tweak ➡️ play a game that your teen would actually enjoy. 🎲 Think of a game they love, not just one you’d pick.

Let them know, “Hey, we’re playing [their preferred game] tonight and would love for you to join if you can.” Then, just start playing. 🎉

Let the sounds of laughter and fun fill the house. Often, teens can’t resist joining in when they hear everyone else having a good time. FOMO is real for teens! 😄

🧡 This small adjustment shows them that family time can be relaxing, fun, and not just another obligation.

✨The Connected Parent Group Program is opening enrollment soon! 🚀 If you have any questions about the program or want to secure your spot, DM me! Let’s make family time something your teen wants to join. 🤗

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16960 Bastanchury Road Suite E
Yorba Linda, CA
92886

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