Welcome

We're so glad you're here.

Taking the first step toward support can be overwhelming, but you’ve made a brave and meaningful choice. At Worthy Life Wellness, we believe every person is worthy of healing, rest, and growth—just as they are. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, or simply seeking more clarity in your life, we’re here to walk alongside you with compassion, professionalism, and care.

We’re honored to hold space for your story and look forward to supporting you on your path to wellness.

Welcome to Worthy Life Wellness

You are worthy. You are healing. You are blooming.

Start Your Healing Journey

Providers

LCPC

Jessica Ashlock

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and the owner of Worthy Life Wellness, PLLC. My experience of 20 years has given me the opportunity to work with individuals from all stages of life. Creating a safe, calming space to ensure that everyone feels worthy and able to share is of utmost importance to me. Counseling can be intimidating, and it is my goal to help you feel like you are in a space that is judgment free. Where you can be 100% who you are, no holding back, and if you are struggling to understand who you are we can work together to figure that out.

Trauma therapy is an area of expertise for me. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Brainspotting, and Trauma Focused-CBT. I am also a 200 hr Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance. This allows me to hold Somatic-Trauma Informed Yoga groups to further help the body heal from trauma.

Little ones are near and dear to my heart. I have worked with them consistently throughout my career. I have experience in early intervention and currently provide mental health consulting for our local pre-k’s. Providing support to the staff to help the kiddos in their programs.

Specialties:

Relationship Issues
Couples Counseling
Trauma and PTSD
ADHD
Anxiety and Depression
Inner Child Work

LCSW

Brittany Breeze

Hi, I’m Brittany! Deciding to see a therapist is often not an easy decision but rather one you make when you’ve decided you need help. Whether that’s healing through trauma, working through life challenges, discovering who you are, or whatever events have prompted you to trust a therapist with your thoughts and feelings; to entrust them with your story. I’ve always desired to give voice to the voiceless, create safe space, and allow my clients to feel seen, heard, and valued. I believe each person is an expert of their own life and story, and will strive to meet you where you are while walking alongside you towards the goals you want to achieve. A little about me… I was born and raised in southern Illinois and obtained my masters in social work in 2019 from SIUC, and then went on to get my clinical license. I have worked in various social services settings with diverse populations focusing on post adoption, trauma, anxiety, depression, trauma and stress disorders, and ADHD. I have experience working with adults, children, and families.

Specialties:

Relationship Issues
Couples Counseling
Trauma and PTSD
ADHD
Anxiety and Depression
Inner Child Work

Brittany Breeze, LCSW is a sole proprietor and practices under the name Brittany Breeze, LCSW

LPC

Faith Smith

Hi, I’m Faith, a Licensed Professional Counselor originally from Southern Illinois, now living in the Effingham area. I received both my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my Master’s degree in Counseling from Lincoln Christian University.

My passion for counseling comes from a very personal place. As a sister to several adopted siblings, I’ve witnessed the impact of trauma and the deep need for connection and healing. I bring a calm and steady presence to the counseling space, and I strive to create an environment where you feel safe, heard, and never judged.

I enjoy working with adolescents, women, and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or spiritual challenges. My background in ministry and leadership shapes the way I walk with clients—offering support that is both compassionate and hope-filled. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a specialized approach that helps individuals process and heal from trauma.

Outside of work, you’ll most likely find me reading, playing board games, or serving in ministry through my church. I consider it a true honor to walk alongside others as they process, grow, and move toward healing. I currently see clients in both the Effingham and Newton, IL areas.

Specialties:

Adolescents & young adults
Women’s issues
Anxiety & depression
Relationship dynamics
Ministry support & Christian counseling
Trauma-informed care (EMDR)

Working under the supervision of Jessica Ashlock, LCPC, as part of the path toward independent licensure.

LCPC

Joyce Bechtel

Joyce Bechtel, LCPC is originally from Jefferson County and moved back to the area after living in Lincoln, IL for 18 years. While living in Lincoln, Joyce received her Bachelor's in Business Management from Lincoln Christian University. She also worked for the university in the estate planning department and actively participated in Spiritual Formation Student Groups.

Joyce went on to receive a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health from McKendree University. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Joyce does not use a “one size fits all” approach to therapy. She enjoys collaborating with clients to tailor therapy to meet their unique needs and help them develop practical skills to manage life’s challenges.

Joyce is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as Brainspotting Phases 1 and 2, both of which are powerful tools for addressing trauma and emotional distress. These approaches allow her to help clients process deeply rooted experiences and move toward healing in a safe, supportive environment.

She has extensive experience in foster care and post-adoption counseling, along with PTSD, behavioral problems, anger management, relationship issues, and sexual abuse counseling. Along with her professional experience, Joyce brings personal insight from being married for over 43 years to her husband, Frank, and raising their five children. It is the culmination of all her experiences that motivates her as a counselor. In her own words:
"Life can become hard and overwhelming at times. I offer a safe, comfortable environment, and I would love to join you in a collaborative experience to help you gain control and reach your goals."

Specialties:

PTSD / Trauma
EMDR & Brainspotting
Anxiety and Depression
Couples Therapy
Children and Family Therapy
Foster Care

Joyce Bechtel, LCPC is a sole proprietor and practices under the name Joyce Bechtel, LCPC

Certified Relationship Coach

Founder of Happy Life Coaching, LLC

Lexi Minks

Lexi Minks is a Certified Relationship Coach and the heart behind Happy Life Coaching, LLC. Known for her approachable, non-judgmental style and calm presence, Lexi creates a safe space for clients of all ages to explore their emotions, relationships, and goals—without pressure or pretense.

Lexi specializes in helping individuals and families navigate relational challenges, with a particular passion for supporting children and teens affected by divorce or family change. Her natural ability to connect—especially with younger clients—makes her a trusted support for those going through big transitions. Whether you’re facing communication issues, struggling to set boundaries, or just need someone in your corner, Lexi walks beside you with encouragement and practical guidance.

She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services at Liberty University, with plans to begin her Master’s in Social Work after graduation. Her work is grounded in empathy, lived experience, and a genuine love for people.

Outside of her practice, Lexi is a wife and proud mom to a busy three-year-old boy. She’s a down-to-earth, bubbly soul who loves deep conversation, simple joys, and helping others rediscover the beauty of a truly happy life.

Lexi Minks is not affiliated with Worthy Life Wellness, PLLC. Happy Life Coaching, LLC is an independent business that shares office space at the same location.

Office Manager

Kevin Ashlock

Kevin serves as the Office Manager for Worthy Life Wellness, PLLC, ensuring the day-to-day operations run smoothly and that every client feels welcomed and supported. With a background in leadership and systems coordination, Kevin brings organization, care, and a calm presence to the heart of the practice. He oversees scheduling, communication, and all the behind-the-scenes details that help create a peaceful, professional environment for clients and staff alike.

As part of this family-owned practice, Kevin is not only the logistical backbone—he’s also the familiar face that keeps things grounded. On some days, you might even catch him spending time with his and Jessica’s grandchildren in the office, adding to the warm, family-oriented atmosphere that defines Worthy Life Wellness.

When he’s not at the office, Kevin enjoys time with his family, working on home projects, or cheering on his favorite team.

Why Naturopathy

Why Use Our Counseling Services?

Our Therapeutic Approach

Our Story

Worthy Life Wellness, PLLC was founded in 2018 by Jessica Ashlock, LCPC, a seasoned clinician with a heart for helping individuals rediscover their worth and walk in wholeness. Jessica began her work in the social work and counseling field in 2005 and has been in private practice since 2013. After years of experience in both agency and private settings, she recognized the need for a practice that honors the complexity of the human experience—emotionally, mentally, and relationally.

Worthy Life Wellness was created as a safe and compassionate space for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Our mission is grounded in the belief that every person is inherently worthy—worthy of healing, rest, joy, and meaningful connection.

Our team brings a diverse range of clinical experience and specialties, including advanced training in trauma-focused modalities such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting. These evidence-based approaches allow us to support clients in deep, lasting healing—especially those working through unresolved trauma, emotional overwhelm, or patterns that feel difficult to break through traditional talk therapy alone.

Behind the scenes, Worthy Life Wellness is supported by Jessica’s husband, Kevin Ashlock, who serves as Office Manager. Kevin handles the day-to-day administrative operations, ensuring the office runs smoothly and that every client is welcomed with care and professionalism. His behind-the-scenes support allows the clinical team to focus fully on the heart of their work—your healing.

Together, Jessica and Kevin are committed to making Worthy Life Wellness a place where every individual feels seen, supported, and empowered to grow—because you are worthy of a life that feels whole.

You are worthy. You are healing. You are blooming.

Because life isn’t just about coping—it’s about blooming into a restored, vibrant, and fully alive version of you.

Our Story

At Worthy Life Wellness, we believe healing happens when individuals feel safe, seen, and supported. Our therapy style is relational, compassionate, and integrative—tailored to each client’s unique needs and story.

We work with individuals, couples, children of all ages—including very young children—and teens, offering support for a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, burnout, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Whether you’re navigating a season of stress, looking to strengthen your partnership, or supporting your child’s emotional development—we’re here to walk alongside you.

For young children and early childhood cases, we draw from our background in Early Intervention to offer nurturing, developmentally attuned support. Sessions may include caregiver collaboration, play-based interventions, and sensory or expressive activities that help little ones regulate emotions and build secure attachment in a gentle, age-appropriate way.

Our clinicians are trained in a variety of evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
Person-Centered and Strengths-Based Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Brainspotting (Phases 1 & 2)
Mindfulness-Based and Somatic Techniques

We use a flexible, client-centered approach to meet each person where they are—whether that means processing trauma, rebuilding trust in relationships, supporting emotional development in little ones, or reconnecting with your sense of self.

Healing is not one-size-fits-all. You deserve care that honors your pace, values your voice, and supports you in moving from simply coping to truly living.

Who we serve:

At Worthy Life Wellness, we welcome:

Children and Teens, including early childhood, who may be facing emotional, behavioral, or developmental concerns

Infants and young children (Early Intervention age) through attachment-based, play-informed sessions and collaborative parent work

Parents and caregivers looking for guidance in supporting their child’s emotional well-being or simply space to process their own parenting journey

Adults seeking support for anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, identity, and burnout

Couples working through communication struggles, conflict, or disconnection

1/1

Get in Touch

Phone

Email

Address

(618) 316 - 7001

kevin@worthylifewellnesspllc.com

4206 Williamson Pl Ste 1, Mount Vernon, IL 62864

Contact

Welcome

We're so glad you're here.

Welcome to Worthy Life Wellness

Why Use Our Counseling Services?

Our Story

Who we serve:

Children and Teens, including early childhood, who may be facing emotional, behavioral, or developmental concerns

Infants and young children (Early Intervention age) through attachment-based, play-informed sessions and collaborative parent work

Parents and caregivers looking for guidance in supporting their child’s emotional well-being or simply space to process their own parenting journey

Adults seeking support for anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, identity, and burnout​

Couples working through communication struggles, conflict, or disconnection

Get in Touch

Contact Us

Phone

Email

Address

Adults seeking support for anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, identity, and burnout