Meet Ash Tobin | Psychotherapist, Consultant, and LLPC Supervisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ash Tobin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ash, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
As a therapist, I feel it is critical to center the unique lived experiences of my clients. While diagnosis, labels, and theory can be incredibly helpful, there is no one-size-fits all when it comes to psychotherapy. Therapists must take special care not to assume, pathologize, or abuse the inherent power dynamics present in the therapeutic relationship. It will always be my job to listen first and to operate with the understanding that my clients are the experts on themselves.

The field of therapy was created largely by and for straight, cisgender, white men. Many theoretical frameworks and treatment methodologies do not represent the unique temporality, development, relationships, and experiences of our community. This is especially true for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC/POC folx. Therapy ought to prioritize personal agency and engagement with the community so that clients are empowered to embrace themselves for who they truly are and to make sustainable change.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The West Michigan community is not always the safest or most hospitable place for queer and trans folx. This can be especially true amongst mental health care clinicians in the area. I have heard far too many stories from my clients who have faced discrimination, lack of competency, religious manipulation, homophobia, transphobia, racism, and more. This mirrors my personal experience as well.

Clients deserve better than tolerance or affirmation of their identities— they deserve specialized, competent care that celebrates who they are. When it came time to start my own practice, I knew I needed to be loud and proud about who and how I can help. Tobin Counseling was created by and for queer and trans folx and serves clients across the state of Michigan.

In addition to my role as a therapist, I offer supervision for clinicians working toward full licensure as well as consulting services for therapists looking to launch or grow their private practices. I help other therapists create, brand, market, and grow their practices so they can confidently convey the care they offer and attract their ideal clients. It has been really fun and rewarding to help prepare the next generation of clinicians. I’ve also enjoyed the diversification in my work, which has led to a more sustainable practice overall.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve lived in Grand Rapids for over a decade and have connected with great people personally and professionally. Tobin Counseling is well-networked with a variety of providers in the Grand Rapids community (and beyond), including therapists, social workers, health care professionals, and body-based care. We’re better, together. I love referring my clients and friends alike to gender-affirming voice and communication modification at Duncan Lake Speech Therapy, to the trauma-informed artists at Balm Tattoo, to the social support groups at the Grand Rapids Pride Center, and to the transformative resources at the Grand Rapids Trans Foundation. I welcome anyone to reach out to me if you’re looking for local support and providers you can trust.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Identity work has been foundational in my personal development as well as in creating a successful practice. As humans, we feel the freest, most creative, healthiest, and most present when we’re able to engage as our authentic selves. Learning to understand and embrace who you are allows you to begin the important work of unlearning, processing, and relinquishing internalized shame. I am so grateful for my therapist, my friends, and my chosen family for helping me see and be myself and I am passionate about helping others do the same.

I also want to shoutout some of the folx that have helped me learn and grow as a human. Be sure to check out the work of Alok Vaid-Menon (they/them), an internationally renowned gender non-conforming writer and performance artist. Their words and art are powerful and incredibly relevant to identity work. Dr. Devon Price is a Social Psychologist whose writing on unmasking, Autism, non-pathologizing approaches, and politics have challenged and encouraged me. You can access and support Devon’s work on Substack. Go follow Dr. Jennifer Mullan on instagram @decolonizingtherapy and sign up for any workshop she offers. You will learn so much!

Website: https://tobin-counseling.com

Instagram: @tobincounseling

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-tobin

Image Credits
Ash Tobin