CLOSED AMA with Therapist Ashley Flewellan
Hi everyone!
Welcome to an AMA (ask me anything) in the "The Therapist's Office" with Ashley Flewellan, therapist of 7 Cups online therapy program. To learn more about them check out their profile page.
Sorry the AMA is now closed to new questions but feel free to read the questions by other members and Ashley's answers.
Ashley's replies to your questions will follow starting on Monday the 24th of March 2025. Get your questions in before 7PM EDT Friday 3-28. To subscribe, so you can follow this thread and the therapist's answers, hit the subscribe button 
in the lower left of this post to get alerts when new posts are made to this thread.
We welcome your questions, but what type of questions should I ask? We welcome any questions that are related to mental health experiences and challenges. You may also want to ask questions about therapy and coping skills for particular challenges you face.
Please avoid asking the therapist for specific advice like "should I date this guy after meeting him online?" You may ask the therapist for coping options with the particular mental health challenges you face and they can share suggestions that you may want to consider, but this is not an advice column. It is more like a place to learn about how online therapy at 7 Cups could help you deal with life and the many challenges it presents.
If you have any customer service-related questions please email support@7cups.com as they cannot be answered in this thread. Finally, please avoid questions about medication as these are best suited to be answered by your physician, and anything not normally discussed in 7 Cups forums.
If you have a question about this thread, please feel free to PM either one of us https://www.7cups.com/@amiablePeace77 or https://www.7cups.com/@soulsings
I am subscribed to this thread and eager to hear your questions and the therapist's answers.
More on Ashley Flewellan can be found here at their profile page.
Note:
Members only can apply for 7 Cups Online therapy (a paid option) at this link https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy
amiablePeace77 soulsings
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@soulsings these are great opportunities for people to learn different perspectives, get some insight and encouraging support from a therapist, thanks for doing this, Ashley and team!
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou You're very welcome! I am happy to!
@soulsings thankyou 💖💖
@Tinywhisper11 sorry for your inconvenience Updated link that works without requesting access. You can submit your questions with this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIb95s5y5CRGuJSDSlfJvR1vNN3ClDfbVfhtTLV2rTHg8xUw/viewform?usp=sharing
@soulsings
I can't access the form. It says I need to request access.
@Clio9876 sorry for your inconvenience Updated link that works without requesting access. You can submit your questions with this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIb95s5y5CRGuJSDSlfJvR1vNN3ClDfbVfhtTLV2rTHg8xUw/viewform?usp=sharing
@soulsings
Thanks. This one works.
Hellow I'm Tracey
I. Excited about being here
And feeling vulnerable at the same time which is a little uncomfortable feeling.
I have lost my son he was 18
And I'm going threw a difficult divorce from a marriage that was emotionally and mentally abusive for 5 years.
How do you cope and heal from life experances you cant change
I. Stores and exhausted emotionally I need help please 🙏
@funnyDay2670 Hi welcome to the AMA. You can submit your questions with this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIb95s5y5CRGuJSDSlfJvR1vNN3ClDfbVfhtTLV2rTHg8xUw/viewform?usp=sharing
Thank you
I submitted mu question on outside browser that i was linked to. Let me know if i should submit my question via replying to this thread instead
@warmheartedMango3898 your question is received in the Google Forms. Thank you for your question.
@courageouspanda2006 Hello! I am answering your following question.
How to forgive someone after 45 years?
Forgiving after 45 years isn’t easy, but it can be freeing. It starts with acknowledging the pain, accepting that the past can’t change, and choosing to release the burden for your own peace. Sometimes, forgiveness is about letting go rather than reconciling. It’s a process, so be patient with yourself.
@Clio9876 Hello! I am happy to answer your question.
What one thing, that you think could be taught in schools, could do the most to improve world mental health?
Emotional intelligence is definitely key. teaching kids self-awareness, coping skills, kindness, empathy, and healthy communication could make a huge impact on world mental health. Understanding emotions early helps build resilience, stronger relationships, and overall well-being.
@TealPhotog Hello! I am responding to your question below.
At this time I do not have access to a therapist. How can I explore & process an intense emotion (shame) I am afraid to face on my own?
Start by acknowledging the emotion without judgment, writing it down, talking to a trusted friend, or working with another support system can help. Gentle self-compassion is key. Facing it gradually, in small steps, can make it less overwhelming.
@AshleyNFlewellenLPC
this is very helpful! Thank you so much!
@TealPhotog You're very welcome!
@Aninfp Hello! I am happy to answer your question.
What to do if things around you trigger you because of your past traumatic experiences. Even though 4-7-8 technique helps but still thats when you realize. But when suddenly you get triggered, you impulsively react and that puts you in trouble. So what might be solution to it? Can you please suggest, Ashley?
You're already on the right track by recognizing your triggers. Along with grounding techniques like 4-7-8 breathing, try pausing before reacting—counting to five, using a physical anchor (like holding something comforting), or having a simple mantra to remind yourself you’re safe. Therapy, especially trauma-focused approaches like EMDR or CBT, can also help reprocess triggers over time. It’s okay to need support.
@AshleyNFlewellenLPC Thankyou so much Ashley! I will definitely try to incorporate these things and make my life better. 💙 Many thanks <3
@Aninfp You're very welcome!
@courageouspanda2006 Hi! I am happy to answer you question
How can you tell you are with the right therapist?
The right therapist makes you feel heard, safe, and supported. You should feel comfortable being honest, and their approach should align with your needs. Progress may take time, but if you feel understood and guided rather than judged, you're likely in the right place. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it's okay to explore other options!