Ainsley Stephens, MS

Ainsley graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a Master of Science in Counseling, with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is currently working toward full licensure (LPC/MHSP). Ainsley’s passion for working with children and adolescents led her to pursue specialized education in human development, trauma counseling with children, child-centered play therapy, and participation in a grief counseling practicum. Ainsley’s graduate clinical experience included working in private practice, where she enjoyed working with clients of all ages, focusing on issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, and anger management. She also completed an internship in a school setting providing child-centered play therapy (CCPT) to children in Pre-K through 2nd grade who exhibited high levels of aggression.

Ainsley takes a person-centered approach to counseling, with the belief that every individual is driven toward healing and growth. She collaborates with every client to meet them where they are in the process of working toward their own goals while finding the counseling style that best fits their needs. When working with children, Ainsley primarily utilizes child-centered play therapy, an approach to counseling that posits children communicate naturally through play and are able to heal through the use of play. She maintains an atmosphere in the counseling space that prizes the client and allows them to freely express themselves and feel heard, which further promotes healing.

Master of Science in Counseling, Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2024
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Minor in Human Services, University of Georgia, 2022