Ashley Hudson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think people assume I only provide one specific form of therapy or intervention, or only work with very specific groups of people. I also think some folks from Christian backgrounds misunderstand my work, particularly surrounding sexual health, as dismissing sexual ethics when in reality I’m seeking to impart information, not ethical frameworks. It’s a complicated world I find myself in right now as a Christian therapist specializing in perinatal mental health and sex therapy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ashley Hudson. I am the owner of Pearl in Process counseling which is a business through which I provide counseling, consultation and education. My practice has centered on emotional health of parents and couples during early parenthood. I specialize in perinatal mental health support and I now also specialize in sexual wellness after obtaining a PhD in Clinical Sexology. As a Christian, and professional who has spoken in a variety of Christian faith settings, I find many of my clients coming from Christian backgrounds, though I do not incorporate spirituality into therapy unless the client explicitly asks to do so.
My practice seeks to embrace the beauty of process, and my brand promotes the concept that all of us, myself included, are in process and ever-evolving. I pride myself in being an “authentic therapist in process who supports others in mental and sexual health”
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband saw me clearly before I could see myself, and he still often does. When I don’t believe in myself, he does. We met when we were in late elementary school, and have been inseparable since middle school. Through all the changes of life and difficult seasons, he was the one who saw me even when I felt misunderstood by family, other friends, and expanding communities as we continued to grow older and move around.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The most profound and life-changing moment I almost gave up was when I was postpartum with my daughter. I had severe postpartum depression which led to suicidal ideation. I nearly took my own life, but my plan was thwarted by a best friend who felt an urge to come check on me. That day changed my life and ultimately led me to dedicate my private practice to expanding awareness about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, such as PPD and PPA. As it turns out, a lot comes up for women surrounding their sexual health and identity during the perinatal season which prompted my studying Clinical Sexology.
I almost gave up multiple times throughout my PhD program. Studying Clinical Sexology is an interesting experience, particularly as a Christian. It felt as though I didn’t really belong in the program sometimes because I didn’t relate to many of my classmates and instructors, and sometimes i didn’t feel as though I belonged among the Christian groups because sex is so taboo. I was treated so poorly by some Christians: called disgusting, pathetic, dangerous, misled, and sex-obsessed. I had one individual from a Christian facebook group attempt to hack into my research screening tool and dismantle my data collection. I had others attempt to kick me out of facebook groups for talking about research. It was honestly so tiring and emotional, and I would be lying if I didn’t confess to tearful showers and conversations along the way with my best friend and husband about whether the uphill battle was truly the calling I had.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Honor. The dignity and worth of people is at the core of who I am as a person, which is who I am as a professional. All people are worthy of honor and dignified treatment.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
The importance of holding tension. The ability to insert “and” into a sentence and allow multiple things to be true at the same time is something I am told that I understand in a unique way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pearlinprocess.com
- Instagram: @pearlinprocess
- Linkedin: @pearlinprocess
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pearlinprocess
Image Credits
Juliana Striby and Zach Pomeroy
