MEET OUR FOUNDER

My passion is to help others from all walks of life with their journey of becoming the best person they can be. I believe your journey, your pain, and your collection of struggles are unique to you, and there is no-one size fits all approach to therapy. To know my journey of how I became the individual I am today is like a caterpillar’s transformation to a butterfly.

At the age of six, I was adopted and brought to America from Vietnam I didn’t know the language I didn’t know anything about my new family, the surroundings, or the culture. My adopted home was not a forever home, at age thirteen I was removed and put in a group home then placed in foster care until age of eighteen. Through navigating this journey of life, it has taught me how to let things go, to work towards change,
find your own purpose, no matter what life throws at you, continue to aspire to be the best person you can be.

I have served as a counselor for over 20 years working with all ages, in different settings: School-based therapy, residential counselor, correctional institutional clinician, inpatient and outpatient services, and experienced with different areas of interest: trauma, grief work, social skills, teen pregnancy, sexual offenders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, family issues and more.
My approach to change is a collective approach, using therapeutic techniques assisting and encouraging my clients to work towards personal growth, regaining a strong sense of self, and overcoming the challenges of finding your individuality.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of successful therapy. As a therapist with over 5 years of experience, I have had the privilege of working with diverse clients, each with their own unique experiences and struggles. My approach is evidence-based therapeutic techniques, client-centered and collaborative, drawing from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based approaches, and Trauma Informed Care. This means that we will work together to tailor our sessions to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re facing relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, I am here to provide you with a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and emotions.

“As you prepare for all possible outcomes in life, may you also remember to prepare for positive outcomes, too. May you prepare yourself for good memories, good lessons, and all of the little places where sunlight will come shining through. As you start your therapeutic journey, may you allow yourself to search for all possible outcomes with an open heart. On your journey, it is my hope to assist in various ways to help you feel supported, encouraged and hopeful for the possibilities ahead. I support individuals of all ages, demographics, and backgrounds with open arms. As a new clinician, my approach uses various counseling modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based approaches. These approaches allow us to work as a team to face difficult issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, grief, stress, or day-to-day struggles. Everyone has a unique story to tell and I seek to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for these stories to be told.”

We are all familiar with painful emotions, yet experiencing them is always a challenge. I aim to support you through these uncomfortable times. With nearly 20 years in counseling children, adolescents, and young adults, I am well prepared to help you deal with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bullying, self-esteem, parenting, stress management, smartphone and internet addiction, mood and behavior disorders and loss. These challenges can be personal, with family, at school, or in your professional work life.  My goal is to create a safe and supportive space needed for self-actualization.  In my eyes, you are incredibly capable of taking control of your life, and I will only empower you to do so.

I have a BA in Education from the University of Kentucky (1996), a MA in School Counseling from Lindenwood University (2001), and I earned my Professional Counseling Associate License (LPCA) in 2022. When I am not working as a counselor, I love home decor, cooking, traveling, listening to music, dancing, gardening and spending time with my loved ones.

I will use a collaborative approach that may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Strategies, and Art and Play Therapy. The variety of different therapies allows me to tailor my services to your individual needs—I will work to find what works best for you.

Telehealth (virtual) and in-person sessions are available during weekday evenings and weekends. You’ve already taken the first step toward becoming the best version of you by seeking out counseling services. Schedule your appointment today if you’re ready to embark on your journey towards healing, and remember: you are not alone.

One of my favorite quote is “Broken wings can still fly” signifies that even when facing challenges or setbacks, one can still achieve one’s goals or overcome adversity, which means that despite being hurt or damaged, there is still potential for resilience and progress. After years of doing my own mental health journey I know the struggles of finding a therapist who is willing to push and motivate you to reach you mental health goals. It was through my own mental health journey was I able to recognize that I could still fly with broken wings, that realization fuel my motivation to assist other on their mental health journey. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space for the induvial to feel valued and understood. I have experience with adolescents, teens, adults, individuals, and families. I am looking forward to assisting you through your transformation.

Hello! My name is Claresha Dishman, a mental health therapist at Aspire 2be counseling with a M.Ed in Counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) and a Temporary Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (TCADC). As a dedicated mental health therapist, I specialize in substance abuse and have extensive experience supporting individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma- related issues. My therapeutic approach combines evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, and Behavioral Therapy. I am committed to helping my clients build resilience, overcome obstacles, and achieve their personal goals. I have had the privilege of working with both youth and adults, offering a safe, supportive, and empathetic space where healing and growth can take place. My mission is to promote mental well-being while empowering individuals to take meaningful steps toward their recovery and self-discovery.