MEET THE OWNER

Hi, I’m Ashley Neild, MS, LPC, LBS, ACS

Owner & Lead Therapist at Brighter Days Counseling

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, a Licensed Behavior Specialist in Pennsylvania, and a Certified Foundational Theraplay® Practitioner. I founded Brighter Days Counseling to provide a warm, neurodiversity-affirming, and attachment-focused space for children, teens, and families.

My passion is helping kids understand their emotions, build healthy relationships, and reconnect with the people who love them most. Whether we’re working through meltdowns, anxiety, perfectionism, or family conflict, my goal is to help your child feel seen, safe, and capable and to help parents feel supported in the process.

Why I Became a Therapist

When I was a child, my parents divorced, and I often felt overwhelmed by big emotions I didn’t know how to express. Those early experiences shaped my desire to become the kind of therapist I wish I’d had; one who helps children feel safe enough to explore, play, and heal.

Over the years, I’ve seen how small seeds of connection can lead to incredible growth. The work I do is deeply meaningful to me because every child and parent I meet carries a story that deserves understanding and hope.

My Approach

Therapy with me is collaborative, playful, and grounded in science and empathy. I draw from Theraplay®, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), the Neurobiological Relational Approach, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to create experiences that foster emotional safety and connection.

A cornerstone of my work is normalizing all emotions; even the big, messy, or uncomfortable ones. In our sessions, no feeling is “too much” or “wrong.” Instead, we explore what emotions are trying to tell us, learn how to hold them safely in the body, and practice co-regulation together. When children learn that every emotion can be met with curiosity and compassion, they begin to develop true emotional resilience.

I believe that change happens through relationship. Our sessions will offer you and your child the space to be yourselves, to be heard, and to learn new ways of relating to one another. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” method here. Each plan is tailored to your family’s unique strengths, needs, and pace.

What I Believe

Here’s what guides my work:

Attachment matters. Connection is the foundation of healing.
All feelings are welcome. When we make space for every emotion, we teach children that they are safe, lovable, and whole.
Play is powerful. It’s how children communicate, experiment, and grow.
Parents are partners. Therapy works best when caregivers feel supported and empowered.
Every child deserves safety and belonging. Neurodivergent children and those with big feelings are not “broken”—they’re telling us what they need.

Outside the Therapy Room

When I’m not in session, you can usually find me spending time with my family, working in my garden to save the Monarch Butterfly species, exploring local coffee spots, or collecting new therapy toys and games (because play is serious work!). I also serve as a parent advocate in my local school district, supporting families navigating special-education services.

If you’re ready to begin your family’s healing journey, contact me here to schedule a consultation.

Education & Credentials

Education
• B.A., Psychological & Social Science — The Pennsylvania State University
• M.S., Counseling & Clinical Health Psychology — Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Post-Master’s Certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Post-Master’s Certificate in Play & Family Therapy

Licenses & Certifications
• Licensed Professional Counselor — NJ & PA
• Licensed Behavior Specialist — PA
• Certified Foundational Theraplay® Practitioner
• Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
Trained in Theraplay Level 2
Developmental Dyadic Psychotherapy Level 1

Areas of Specialization

Children, Adolescents & Families — strengthening connection and coping skills
Theraplay® & Attachment — deepening trust and parent-child attunement
Neurodiversity & Social Development — supporting kids with autism, ADHD, sensory differences, and learning challenges
Co-Parenting & Divorce — promoting emotional safety and communication through family transitions
Anxiety, Depression & Emotional Regulation — helping children identify, express, and manage big feelings

Professional Experience

For over 16 years, I’ve worked with children, teens, and families across a range of settings from in-home and community programs to private practice. Earlier in my career, I supported children with significant behavioral and emotional needs, meeting them in their homes, schools, and communities. Today, I bring that same dedication into a calmer, more relational space where families can slow down, connect, and heal.

I’ve collaborated extensively with schools, attending IEP meetings and consulting with teachers, school psychologists, speech and occupational therapists, and psychiatrists. My background in both clinical and behavioral health allows me to bridge the gap between mental-health needs and school supports.

As both a therapist and a parent, I understand the challenges of navigating systems that don’t always “get” our kids. That’s why advocacy and education are an integral part of my work.

In addition, I’ve supported teens and young adults navigating relationship challenges and dating violence. As a survivor myself, I’m passionate about helping young people develop self-worth, safety, and trust in relationships.

I also love working with children who are non-verbal or have complex medical and developmental needs because every child deserves to be understood, even when their voice looks or sounds different.