Ashton Santo, LMSW
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Message from Ashton
Congratulations on taking this first step toward becoming your best self. I'm Ashton, a queer transmasculine therapist with a passion for social justice and person-centered care. I believe that you are the expert on your life: you already have the insight to know that something's not working for you, even if you don't know exactly what that is yet. I want to help you understand yourself on a deeper level and uplift the strengths that you bring to the table. Together, we can cultivate a sense of radical self-love through all of life's trials and tribulations. If you'd like to learn more, I'd love to connect with you for a free consultation. I am pleased to share that I'm currently in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Empire BCBS, Evernorth, Optum, United Healthcare, Aetna, Anthem, UMR, and Cigna.
About Ashton's practice
No availability at this time
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Sliding scale
Directive
Reflective
Body-based
In-person available: No
Virtual available: Yes
Life Transitions
ADD/ADHD
Addiction and Substance Use
Gender Identity
Depression
Dating
LGBTQIA-Related Stress
Anxiety
Optum
UMR
Evernorth Behavioral Health
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Anthem
Aetna
Cigna
Blue Cross Blue Shield BCBS
United / Oxford
NY
Why state matters
Get to Know Ashton
Are there any philosophies or values that inform your work that I should know about?
I unconditionally accept all gender identities and expressions. I write letters of readiness and connect clients to competent gender-affirming providers. In our therapy sessions, my clients can explore their feelings without fear of invalidation or gatekeeping. As a trans person, I know the healing power of being in community with other trans people. Outside of therapy, I train medical and mental health professionals on gender-affirming care. I am always engaged with new developments in transition medicine and public policy. I also take a harm reduction-oriented perspective to alcohol and other substance use. An abstinence-only approach to substance use may not be realistic or desirable; I recognize that psychoactive substances often serve very important purposes, like alleviating physical and psychological distress. I connect my clients to essential harm reduction resources and create safety plans to promote safer substance use, considering the drug, (mind)set, and setting all as parts of the whole picture.
Do you assign homework, activities, or readings for me to do between sessions? Why or why not?
I generally do not assign work to my clients, but I may recommend various resources, readings, and techniques as they become relevant to our sessions. I recognize that for some, the idea of homework is anxiety-inducing; for others, it's a sign of progress. I will only give structured assignments if my clients feel that such an approach would be helpful.
What is the best part of the work for you?
While it is tempting to praise breakthroughs and "A-ha!" moments, I find the work most compelling when my clients don't have an answer yet. The greatest opportunity for positive change can come when one is at a crossroads; the moment before a decision is one of millions of possibilities. I support clients in living with uncertainty and expanding their tolerance for distress.
How do you approach diversity in the room or working with clients who may come from a different background than you?
My clients are the experts on their experiences. I offer guidance and support as my clients articulate the impact that discriminatory individuals and institutions have had on their lives. I embrace discomfort as a necessary step in confronting oppression and building compassion.
How much do you share about yourself during our time together and why?
Over the course of our sessions, I may occasionally share things about myself that may resonate with my clients' lived experiences. I feel that strategic self-disclosure helps facilitate an open atmosphere of exploration for my clients. I will always ask if insight from my lived experience would be helpful before sharing.