Ash Levine, LSW
Pronouns: he/him or they/them
Values and Philosophy
Ash is a therapist & facilitator who believes in the transformative power of relationships to build lives and communities that are joyful and meaningful, even in the midst of challenges. Ash primarily uses a psychodynamic and relational approach with an attachment lens to provide a space where individuals can explore, reframe, and sometimes, just practice being present with the big, hard feelings that come from being human in this world.
When you’re ready, Ash will be there to provide his company and, when asked, thoughts and expertise, as you work to find different tools to manage the challenges you face. Ash grounds all of his work in an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practice. Ash believes that, at its best, therapeutic relationships can become playgrounds where the seeds of creativity, playfulness, and joy can thrive.
Areas of Focus
Ash is passionate about working with trans and non-binary folks across the life span as well as individuals with trauma histories, chronic illnesses, disabilities, anxiety, depression, and individuals in the midst of life transitions.
As a therapist, Ash uses an eclectic approach to therapy. His primary modalities are psychodynamic and relational, but he adapts these modalities to work with the best evidence guided practices that we have from the worlds of harm reduction, trauma informed practice, anti-oppressive practice, attachment theory, and mindfulness. Depending on the age and context of the client, Ash will draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), somatic/body-based and play-based techniques. Additionally, Ash has completed training to be a Certified Trauma Professional.
Experience and training
Ash holds a Master’s of Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University as well as Master’s of Public Policy from the University of Chicago. He completed his internship training at Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook where he worked with LGBTQ+ children, adolescents, emerging adults, and their parents.