Meet Ashley Lester, MSW

Naperville Virtual

Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Benedictine University before obtaining her Master of Social Work from Aurora University. With extensive experience in providing individualized and evidence-based therapeutic services, Ashley specializes in working with children, adolescents and adults. She is a compassionate therapist with training to treat Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), panic disorder, ADHD, and a variety of anxiety-related conditions, OCD, including R-OCD, childhood and adolescent anxiety, and phobias. Ashley helps her clients build self-esteem, foster self-compassion, and develop effective coping strategies, empowering them to better understand their emotional well-being and lead more balanced, fulfilling lives.  Ashley is skilled in supporting parents and children as they navigate school-related stress and challenges.  

Ashley’s approach combines evidence-based interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices with a warm and compassionate therapeutic style. She is dedicated to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and overcome obstacles.

Outside of her clinical work, Ashley enjoys volunteering at the Humane Society, staying active through hiking, and taking long walks with her dog. Her passion for continuous learning and personal growth reflects her commitment to delivering the highest quality care. Together, Ashley will help you discover your strengths, overcome challenges, and achieve your goals.

 

Ashley was so kind and caring and immediately made me feel comfortable. The plan for upcoming appointments was so spot on with what will be helpful. I felt so calm, at ease, and hopeful for the rest of the evening knowing this was the right fit.

— LOA Patient

Education:

Aurora University

Master of Social Work

Benedictine University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Clinical Interests:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)ADHD & Executive FunctioningAdolescent AnxietyAnger ManagementBody Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)Career Anxiety & CounselingChild AnxietyChronic Illness & Chronic PainCouples CounselingDepressionDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Disordered EatingDriving AnxietyFamily CounselingFear of DogsFear of FlyingGeneralized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania)Health AnxietyInsomnia & Sleep AnxietyLearning DisabilitiesMind-Body TherapyMindfulnessMotivational InterviewingMulticultural CounselingObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)Panic DisorderParenting Support & CoachingPerfectionismPerformance & Public Speaking AnxietyPerinatal & Postpartum AnxietyPhobiasRelationship OCDSchool Anxiety & RefusalSeparation AnxietySkin Picking (Dermatillomania)Social AnxietySubstance MisuseTinnitusVomit Phobia (Emetophobia)Women's Health

If you are looking for therapy, medication or combined mental health treatment, learn more about how Light On Anxiety can create a custom individual treatment plan to fit your goals.

Success Stories

Get Anxiety Fighting Tips
to your Inbox!