by J. Michael Blackston

Ashleigh Boyle has joined our team of counselors and will be seeing clients out of the Lake Nona office. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with her, please call our office at (407) 405-7677. I had a chance to ask her a few questions so you can get to know her heart for what she does.

Michael: Why do you enjoy being a counselor?

Ashleigh: I love redemption and walking alongside people in their journeys. I have always been curious about people and have the gift of being a developer. Even during my years in ministry, I would sit across from people and be able to see their potential and help them get there. Working as a counselor has allowed me to take my natural gifts and use them to help others understand themselves more deeply and move into their potential as they are ready.

M: What is something that has shaped you as a counselor?

A: I’ve sat on both sides of the couch and that feels significant to who I am as a person and a counselor today. I know it takes a great amount of courage to show up and bare your stories of confusion, longing, pain, desire, shame, and hope. It is such a humble privilege to be invited into these places with people and see the ways God wants to redeem and wrap these stories into His own.

M: Tell me about your passion to work with people serving in ministry.

A: Before pursuing counseling, I served in ministry for a number of years, both in the US and overseas. I watched myself and others struggle with the complexities of relationships as well as balancing life in the midst of the unique demands and challenges of ministry. I love coming alongside people serving in these capacities, helping them thrive in who God has made and called them to be.

M: What do you enjoy doing for fun?

A: I love being outside, sitting on the porch with a good friend or a book. I enjoy running, cooking, traveling to see people I love, and adventures to enjoy good music and food. I can often enjoy most things when I am with close friends that refresh me!