About Ashley

I am a  Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Pacifica, California supporting mothers through the emotional and relational shifts of pregnancy, postpartum, parenting and beyond.

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Motherhood is one of the greatest joys of my life -  and also one of the most humbling, overwhelming, identity-shifting experiences I have ever known.  

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I created The Mamahood Community because I believe Moms deserve to be seen, heard, supported and reminded they don't have to navigate Motherhood alone.  

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My passion for supporting Moms and their families began very personally.  After the birth of my second child, I experienced Postpartum Anxiety and OCD.  I remember how isolating it felt to struggle during a time I had been told was supposed to be filled with nothing but joy.  I questioned myself, felt overwhelmed by the endless information and expectations surrounding parenthood and wondered if I was the only one struggling.

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That experience changed the direction of my work.

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I realized how important it is for Moms to have a place where they can say "This is hard" without shame or judgement.  A place where they can ask for help.  A place where they can reconnect with who they are -  not just as a Mom, but as a whole person.

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I believe there is room to celebrate the magic of Motherhood while also being honest about the exhaustion, uncertainty, identity shifts, relationship changes, mental load, and countless moments of wondering, "Am I doing this right?"

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In a world where parents are constantly surrounded by advice, opinions, comparison and information, I want to help families find their way back to what matters most : CONNECTION, COMPASSION and TRUST in themselves.  

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After my own postpartum experience, I wanted to help other Mother's who had similar struggles.  I worked with Postpartum Support International as the San Francisco County and San Mateo County Support Coordinator helping connect families with resources and support.  I have also completed specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, as well as Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy Training through Postpartum Support International.  

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I also have extensive training in The Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy  - working with couples and families.  I believe that supporting the Mother often means supporting the entire family system - and the partners deserve a place in this conversation, too.  I am here for you as well!

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I am deeply passionate about this work, not only because it is ESSENTIAL but also because it is personal.  I know what it feels like to need someone to say "You are not alone.  You are not failing.  You don't have to figure this out by yourself."

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And I know how powerful it can be to finally be SEEN and how important a community is!

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I absolutely love being a Mom (to two amazing boys - 11 and 14) - it is my greatest accomplishment and my greatest joy.  My most precious purpose in life.  I see clients in private practice, and I work in the IOP/PHP program at UCSF.  When I am not working, you can find me in nature or at a sporting event with my kids.  I love living on the coast and often will be trail running, practicing hot yoga, mountain biking, at the beach or walking my sweet pup. 

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It is a joy to navigate the beautiful chaos of everyday life, and embrace all the ups and downs that come with being a mom.  The Mamahood Community is a place for all of it. The joy. The mess. The uncertainty. The laughter. The tears.  The growth. The beautiful. The complicated process of becoming - and continuing to discover - who you are in Motherhood and beyond.  

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You don't have to do Motherhood alone.  You belong here.  

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Ashley Hansen, MA, LMFT

Founder / Therapist

The Mamahood Community

Pacifica, California

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