Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Macon.
Hi Ashley , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I knew I wanted to be in the helping field from a young age, I was just never sure in what capacity. While in college, I explored the field of occupational therapy through volunteering and internships. I quickly came to realize that it was the relationship part of the job that meant the most to me. I enjoyed talking to people, hearing their stories, and really understanding their process of adjustment and how their lives had been impacted by illness or injury. This realization is what ultimately led me into the field of counseling- recognizing that I really valued helping people heal the parts of themselves that can’t always be seen.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The largest obstacle was making the decision to turn my part-time private practice into a full-time profession and business. It was difficult to decide to leave the security of a full-time structured income in order to develop something of my own. From there, growing and scaling my private practice was a process. It was most important for me to have a good staff of reliable and empathetic counselors. There were some struggles in building the appropriate team, but with solid support from my administrative staff, we were eventually able to develop the team that we have with us today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ashley Macon is the founder and CEO of Macon Changes Professional Counseling Services (MCPCS), a local private therapy practice. Ashley is a licensed professional counselor with an extensive background in managing issues of addiction and psychiatric rehabilitation. Ashley obtained her Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Carolina. From there, she has worked in a variety of settings and with various populations, to include youth, consumers with visual impairments, and individuals with persistent mental illness. Throughout her work and practice, Ashley became keenly aware of the difficulty and barriers towards accessing psychiatric and mental health care, which ultimately led her to created Macon Changes Professional Counseling Services.
MCPCS provides support and interventions to ensure stability across all life areas. We address topics such as employment issues, home life, social relationships, spiritual development, and overall life goals. We recognize the importance of mental health, and for that reason, we strive to make it easily accessible to anyone seeking these services by offering an array of available scheduling options. We work with clients ranging in age from 7 and up through adulthood, including geriatric populations.
We have a collaborative team of counselors with a range of specializations, to include eating disorders, addiction, marriage and family, and child therapy. All of our counselors are trained in person-centered techniques and are able to meet clients where they are in the therapeutic process. MCPCS also provides community based trainings and educational events to support enhanced awareness surrounding mental health issues and prevention.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Stigma surrounding mental health can significantly hinder individuals from seeking psychiatric help, creating a barrier that often feels insurmountable. Many people fear judgment from peers, family, and society, leading them to internalize negative perceptions about mental illness. This fear can manifest as feelings of shame or inadequacy, causing them to avoid professional help. Additionally, misconceptions about psychiatric treatment—such as the belief that it is only for the “weak” or that it doesn’t work—further discourage individuals from reaching out for support. As a result, the stigma surrounding mental health can perpetuate suffering and isolation, preventing many from accessing the care they genuinely need. Speaking with a counselor can often be the first step in a journey towards mental wellness. Counselors are uniquely trained to provide support and education on a variety of mental health issues, helping to normalize the experience for those seeking the help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mcpcs.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconchangespcs?igsh=MWdiZW9zY3BjNXEzZg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17ZDXYWsvV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
