About Therapy with Me
What about YOU for a change?
This entire process is about your needs, wants, and dreams.
You have probably been a people pleaser for so long that you’ve lost sight of what you want. Your brain has told you that’s how you need to connect with your loved ones so they won’t leave you. (It’s wrong, by the way!) You feel like you aren’t allowed to have any wants or needs because that’s the message you’ve gotten your entire life.
Through our work together, we’ll rewire your brain so that hearing a door slam doesn’t bring you back to being six years old, listening to Mom slam the door to her bedroom after fighting with Dad.
I’ve had clients describe their post-Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) experiences in various ways, including the following: “It’s like watching a movie I’m not in.” “It’s like hearing a shot but never getting hit.” “It’s like it never even happened.” You’ll find your voice and feel empowered to use it without fear of being “too much” for your loved ones.
ART is an innovative approach to trauma.
ART is an approach that I’m excited about and honored to be able to utilize.
My husband jokingly tells me that I need to “stop doing that Men in Black mind eraser &%$# because you’re going to work yourself out of a job!”
He’s only partly serious, fully misinformed on how ART works, and 100% team Ashley. I remind him there will always be more people who have experienced trauma that want to come through the other side and be able to look back on it instead of feeling like they’re constantly in the middle of it.
People who have experienced trauma want to be able to share their truth without it breaking them back down. ART can help you process that trauma.
With me, you’ll never be surprised.
I hate surprises, except for gifts and other fun things. You probably hate them, too, because it makes you feel out of control. I try my best to lay things out predictably so that you always know what to expect when you come for your sessions with me.
Our time together can adapt to your preferences. Some clients enjoy coming and having a “brain dump” session, where I actively listen, reflect, and validate their feelings. Others enjoy doing exercises from various workbooks on whatever topic is necessary. Some clients enjoy a back-and-forth style, where we do a brain dump/workbook session followed by ART/eye movement in the next session.
Again, this journey is yours. I’m here to guide, support, and lovingly call you out when needed. Ultimately, I’ll be your biggest cheerleader and the happiest for you when we decide you’re ready to end your therapy sessions – because that means you’ve reached your destination.
About Me
For over 15 years, I have gained experience working with people in many different settings. My career started as a school guidance counselor, working with elementary and middle school-aged students.
Over the years, I realized that my most treasured times were when I talked to students and teachers one-on-one. I also became disappointed at the school-home disconnect that would occur, where I’d talk to a student about a home issue, only for them to return a week later and tell me that nothing changed.
About ten years ago, I realized I wanted to go into private practice counseling someday. I kept letting fear hold me back, specifically the fear of taking and passing the National Counselor Exam (NCE). I’ll never forget what my husband told me about my fears of taking the test. “It’s just money. So, what if you fail it? Then, you’ll know what you need to study to retake it. Is this going to make you #maxhappy? Then, what’s stopping you?”
After a few months of studying, I took the NCE and passed on the first try – 14 years after graduating from Clemson with my master’s degree. Fast forward to today, and I’ve opened up my private practice with its playroom, coffee bar, and therapy dog-in-training.
Meet Charlie.
Charlie is a cream-colored, long-haired miniature dachshund with a full-sized personality. He truly has a heart for people and instinctively offers comfort when he senses someone is distressed.
Trained in obedience, he will sometimes be wearing an e-collar that helps remind him of how he should be behaving.
His favorite thing in the world is being with me at work and greeting people as they come in. He’ll most likely sleep through your session, but feel free to pick him up and snuggle him if that happens. He’s the sweetest when he’s in that cuddly “wet noodle” state!
