Ashley Shiff, MD, LCSW-C

Ashley Shiff is a licensed clinician based in Maryland who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, and major life changes. She has 12 years of professional experience and works from a perspective that sees each person as the expert on their own life. Ashley aims to make the first steps into therapy straightforward and respectful of the courage it takes to begin.

Ashley uses a mix of practical talk and listening to figure out what matters most to each person. Sessions focus on real-life problems and small changes that can make daily life feel easier. She pays attention to feelings, thoughts, and behavior and how they interact in the person’s day-to-day routines.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is part of Ashley’s approach when it helps people test unhelpful thoughts and build new habits. She also draws on client-centered and emotionally-focused ideas to help people feel heard and to deepen understanding of their emotions.

Her style is collaborative and down-to-earth. She looks for clear goals and simple steps clients can use between sessions. Over time the work aims to reduce distress and improve coping during transitions and losses.

Ashley holds an MD and is licensed as an LCSW-C. Those credentials are part of her background while she focuses on listening, practical strategies, and steady support.

Online approaches and how they help

Online sessions can bring together practical tools and emotional work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and helps people test unhelpful thinking and build new habits. It is often useful for anxiety, depression, and daily stress. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and showing acceptance so people can talk through difficult feelings and make choices that fit their values. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people identify and work through strong emotions to improve emotional understanding and regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work with each person to figure out which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences. That means starting with what you want to change and adjusting the approach as work proceeds, so the plan feels collaborative and practical.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone calls can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging allow for flexible, written exchanges that fit busy schedules. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, school, or family routines while keeping focus on progress and problem solving.