Therapy Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works to identify and challenge the irrational fears that fuel anxiety and increase rigidity in our lives and our relationships. CBT helps us see our thoughts and feelings through a balanced lens, creating much needed space from intrusive thoughts and feelings. From this more balanced perspective, we are able to choose our reactions and decide where our focus and attention will go, ultimately leading to positive behavior changes in our lives.
Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on a client’s internal “parts” and “Self.” In IFS, the mind is considered to be naturally made up of multiple sub-personalities or families within each individual’s mental system. These sub-personalities take on different roles, such as an inner critic or inner child, and consist of wounded parts and painful feelings like anger and shame.
IFS therapy is a non-pathologizing approach to psychotherapy. It emphasizes the natural multiplicity of the mind. The grounding assumption is that there are no bad parts, only parts forced into bad roles. When a client learns how to access Self, they can then heal their wounded parts. This brings the whole system into harmony and allows the person to become more Self-led. The natural side effect of this healing is a reduction in problematic or symptomatic behavior.
Psychedelic Integration Therapy
Psychedelic treatments are becoming an increasingly popular way of treating trauma, as the substances allow a person’s mind to open up to witness the trauma without the overwhelming feelings of fear, shame, guilt, and self-recrimination. In the altered headspace, a person can better deal with what happened as the substances allow a person to become the observer of the trauma vs. the victim of it. Therefore, providing a space to create a different understanding of the experience and the ability to release the feelings created from it.
Psychedelic Integration Therapy is a critical piece of the healing journey after a psychedelic treatment, as it provides clarity for people to make sense of their experience, whether it be magical, healing, or one of confusion, and integrate it into their daily lives. Any feelings, sensations, and ideas that are brought about during the psychedelic experience can be meaningful for the healing process. Integration is about creating the space to “make meaning” of those feelings, sensations, and ideas so that they can inform daily functioning. Healing requires engaging with these ideas, and that’s what integration is all about. With gained awareness a person is then able to move into action or change. Whereas without the integrating the experience is more likely to submerge back into the subconscious mind and old habits will soon take hold, finding oneself dealing with the same unresolved issues.
During Psychedelic Integration Therapy I provided a non-judgmental space for support and analysis to those who are seeking, or have experienced, a psychedelic experience. These sessions are geared towards identifying and setting intentions for the journey, learning tools and techniques for self-care, and processing the experience.
*I do not provide or prescribe any psychedelic or other controlled substance. With a signed release I am happy to work with a prescribing physician in order to provide a collaborative experience. I am trained in Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP) at Field Trip Health.
Trauma-Related Disorders
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People with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time. You may avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings. Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood.
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Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
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PTSD is one of the most well-known trauma disorders. It’s estimated to affect around 8 million U.S. adults in a given year. Individuals develop PTSD following a traumatic event, sometimes even months later.
PTSD often includes:
-Intrusive thoughts about the event, including nightmares and flashbacks
-Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the trauma
-Behavioral changes such as insomnia, withdrawing from loved ones, and engaging in reckless or self-destructive behaviors
-Cognitive disturbances like irritability, negative thoughts about self or others, and fear/paranoia
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Emotional dysregulation is a term used to describe an emotional response that is poorly regulated and does not fall within the traditionally accepted range of emotional reaction. It may also be referred to as marked fluctuation of mood, mood swings, or labile mood.
When someone is experiencing emotional dysregulation, they may have angry outbursts, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and other self-damaging behaviors. Over time, this condition may interfere with your quality of life, social interactions, and relationships at home, work, or school.
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Adjustment disorders are stress-related conditions. You experience more stress than would normally be expected in response to a stressful or unexpected event, and the stress causes significant problems in your relationships, at work or at school.
Work problems, going away to school, an illness, death of a close family member or any number of life changes can cause stress. In most cases, people adjust to these changes within a few months. But if you have an adjustment disorder, you continue to have emotional or behavioral reactions that can contribute to feeling anxious or depressed.
Holistic psychotherapy, an integrative approach grounded in psychosynthesis, focuses on the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. This approach suggests that we can only understand the parts when we view them in relation to the whole.
“I have been seeing Ashley for the past two years for depression, social anxiety and so much more. She’s helped me through my hardest times and helped shape me into the positive, goal-driven woman I am today, and for that I am grateful.”
— PAST CLIENT
FAQs
Is therapy confidential?
The law protects the relationship between a client and a therapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. There are however some exceptions whereby I am legally required to disclose information, which include the following:
When there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse, elder or dependent adult abuse.
When the client is thought to be a danger to themselves or to others
When a court of law issues a subpoena or if you are being treated or tested by courts order
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
All cancellations or rescheduling must be made 24 hour prior to your visit. If an appointment is missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged according to the office fee schedule. Exceptions include emergencies and natural disasters.
Do you accept insurance?
Please note that I do NOT accept insurance, however, refer clients with out-of-network benefits to a third-party system, AdveKit, for any insurance billing needs.
How much does treatment cost?
Individual therapy is $250 a session.
On average, I meet with clients for 50-55 minutes once a week, however, treatment schedule is based on your specific goals.
What if I’m having a crisis?
In case of a medical emergency or emergency involving a threat to your safety or safety of others, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
What is an LCSW?
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a mental health professional who provides counseling, evaluation, intervention, and case management services to those who are suffering mental, social, familial and/or medical issues. In addition to taking their client’s psychological and emotional states into account, part of what makes social work unique is that they also examine the social and environmental factors impacting the client’s life. In doing so, they are able to provide resources within the community that can make a positive impact on their lives.
Can I book a consultation?
Before our first session, I will set up a free 20 minute consultation call. The consultation gives us an opportunity to connect, discuss your needs and goals, and allows me to answer any questions you may have. The consultation is not a therapy session.