about
ashley

I started this private practice in 2015 when I was working on an inpatient psychiatric unit because I wanted to see clients for longer term therapy.

I began seeing clients, both individuals and couples, some of whom I have the privilege of continuing to work with today. It has also afforded me the opportunity to work with civilians in addition to the work I do with Veterans full time.

My Therapeutic  Approach

With each therapy modality, I focus on the relationship built between the client and therapist. We will use information about what happens inside the therapeutic relationship as a window to relationship patterns in your life.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Psychodynamic therapy helps you understand how your current feelings and behaviors are shaped by your past experiences and your unconscious mind and impulses.

Trauma-Informed Care

I understand that trauma lives in the body and the nervous system, not just the mind. Our work will honor your pace and prioritize your sense of safety above all else by ensuring thorough assessment and providing skills to ensure your safety inside and outside of session.

Mindfulness-Based Techniques

I'll introduce grounding and mindfulness practices to help you stay present, manage overwhelming emotions, and reconnect with your body.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

We'll explore the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and develop practical strategies to shift unhelpful patterns.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

For clients dealing with trauma and PTSD, EMDR can be a powerful tool for processing painful memories and reducing their emotional charge.

Education  
& Credentials

Licensure:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor

LCSW-S

Texas License #54645| Active & in good standing

Education:

Master's Degree in Social Work

Smith College School for Social Work| 2010 
Thesis focus: Awareness of trigger events among clinicians working with elders with dementia

Bachelor's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Human Services

Boston University | 2007

Specialized Training & Certifications:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Training

Compassion Works

Cognitive Processing Therapy Training

Strong Star Training Initiative

Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD Training

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training

Beck Institute at U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs

Continuing Education:

I'm committed to staying current with the latest research and therapeutic techniques. I regularly attend workshops, conferences, and training in trauma treatment, attachment theory, and evidence-based interventions.

Clinical  Experience

Expertise

Anxiety Disorders

Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, and phobias

Trauma & PTSD

Childhood trauma, complex trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, combat trauma, Military Sexual Trauma, and traumatic loss

Depression

Major depression, Bipolar depression, persistent depressive disorder, and situational depression

Life Transitions

Career changes, relationship endings, relocation, identity shifts, and major life decisions

Stress Management

Burnout, overwhelm, work-related stress, and caregiver fatigue

Relationship Issues

Communication patterns, attachment wounds, boundary-setting, and relationship anxiety

Diverse & Inclusive Practice

I've worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC communities, and people from various religious and cultural traditions. I approach each therapeutic relationship with cultural humility and a commitment to understanding your unique worldview.

Evidence Based Psychotherapy

Evidence Based Psychotherapies (EBPs) are psychotherapies that have been researched and proven to be effective in the treatment of various mental health conditions. Depending on your treatment goals, needs, priorities, presenting symptoms, and preferences, we can work together to choose the best course of treatment for you.

EBPs often work quickly within a recommended number of sessions. Therapy requires commitment, effort, and energy to increase the gains made over the course of treatment. Some EBPs require practice outside of session.

Trauma Focused
Evidence Based
PsychoTherapy

Trauma Focused EBPs use cognitive, emotional, or behavioral techniques to facilitate processing a traumatic event and in which the trauma focus is a central component of the therapeutic process.

It is important to know that Trauma Informed therapy and Trauma Focused therapy are very different. While a therapist may be trauma informed (and it is recommend that they be, at minimum), they may not be trained in providing Trauma Focused Therapies which are proven to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms.

If you have experienced trauma, I will work with you to determine if you could benefit from a Trauma Focused EBP, and assess your readiness for a TF-EBP after understanding the risks and benefits.

The Trauma Focused Therapies I'm trained in are:

CPT
EMDR
CBCT-PTSD

Trauma Focused Therapy

Outside the Office

A Little More About Me

I was raised in West Texas and moved to The Woodlands in high school. I have lived in the Heights since 2011 where I enjoy walking to local businesses and exploring Houston.

I love spending my free time with my dog, friends and family, going on walks, sitting on a patio at a local coffee shop, (combining the three!), vintage shopping, Rumble boxing, and seeing live music.