You want more from the life you're living
You're ready to set down the stress. The overwhelm. The "it's just not working."Â You are ready to make way for more of the life you actually want.
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Therapy is a place where you don’t have to perform. It is a place where you can truly be yourself and share the messiness of life without polish or precision. Working together, we’ll slow down and get curious about how the mind and body inform your experience. I’ll encourage you to listen to what they have to say rather than simply overriding them. From there, I’ll help you get clear on what matters most and how to move forward with that in mind.
Therapy built on connection
Connection is what makes us stronger. With that as a guide, I always stay alongside you through what’s hard, what’s worth celebrating, and all the moments in between. I’ll keep sight of your strengths and what’s possible, even when you’re struggling to see them for yourself.
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I specialize in career counseling and working with college students because I absolutely love it. College at any level can be a transformational time, and I love helping students make sense of everything it can bring. I also believe your career should work for you—not the other way around. That passion led me to specialize in College Counseling during my master’s program and later become a Certified Career Counselor through the NCDA. Both equip me to support you where career, education, and mental health meet.
My Methods
Relationships are at the core of human hurting and healing. Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT) recognizes healthy, authentic relationships as places where healing can happen. This therapy explores the relationships you have with others and yourself, while also taking into account how society affects who you are.
Listening to your body can tell you a lot. Mind-body therapy invites you to connect with your body in the present moment to notice what’s happening with acceptance and non-judgement. Mindfulness promotes curiosity and awareness, allowing you to understand yourself better and make room for change.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) combines recognition of the present moment with a commitment to living in line with your values. When things get tough, ACT invites you to notice what’s happening and move in the direction of what matters most.
What colleagues are saying
"Dr. Ludwig's expertise in career counseling is truly outstanding; she guides her clients with strength, insight, and a deep understanding of their unique goals and challenges. She is a trusted ally in helping clients achieve their aspirations."
Rebecca Gomez de Tuinstra, Ph.D., LP
"Ayla is an incredibly knowledgable and caring counselor. She has a great ability to make people feel comfortable, understood, and valued for who they are. I cannot recommend her enought!"
Grace Yensch, MA, DTLLP
Credentials
Education & Licensure
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Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education |Â Western Michigan University
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Master of Arts in Counselor Education, Specializing in College Counseling |Â Western Michigan University
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Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) |Â Licensed in the State of Michigan, #6401223059
Training & Certification
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Integrative Holistic Health & Wellness Graduate Certificate |Â Western Michigan University
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National Certified Counselor (NCC) |Â National Board of Certified Counselors, #1142078
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Certified Career Counselor (CCC) | National Career Development Association, #CCC20-5877840264​
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Certified Trauma Practitioner - Clinical (CTP-C)Â | STARR Commonwealth
Professional Associations
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American Counseling Association |Â Member
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National Career Development Association |Â Research Committee; Member
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Michigan Career Development Association |Â Private Practice Representative; Member
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Michigan Mental Health Counseling Association | Member
The Story of the practice name
Why "Wellward"?
Wellward is a combination of the words wellness and forward. My intention is to help you discover what wellness looks like for you, feel more connected to yourself, and live in a way that works. From there, you can carry what you've learned about yourself into what comes next.
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The imagery of birds taking flight speaks to this journey. The best place to start is where you are. From there, you can discover possibilities for a new way forward.