Ashley Rieger
New to Grow
My professional journey is rooted in human growth. I hold a Bachelor's in English, a Master's in Counseling and Psychology, and a Doctorate in Behavioral Health. Originally, I thought I was going to be a teacher, but shifted gears as I wanted to be able to give more and help more. I believe we are all lifelong learners so I still get to teach, but also be a partner, guide, support person, sounding board, advocate, and so much more! My clinical philosophy is built on three pillars: choice, change, and hope. Choice is always available, change is always possible, and, without hope, we have nothing. Hope encourages us to keep going; making those choices and those changes that will improve our overall quality of life and wellbeing.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I like to compare a first therapy session to an interview. Much like an interview, we are both gathering information to determine if our communication styles, personalities, and goals align. I will be asking questions in order to gain information about you and what you are seeking in therapy, and I encourage you to ask questions of me as well. We wont be able to cover everything in the first session, but we will be able to to gain a sense of whether or not we are a good match to work together...because that is exactly what we will be doing- WORK! Building a strong therapeutic relationship is essential as progress requires openness, honesty, and a willingness to grow. If you are ready to explore, please bring your questions to our first session.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my biggest strengths as a therapist is my ability to quickly connect with others. As an attentive and active listener, I pay close attention to details; what's said and what's left unsaid. I weave personality, humor, and life experiences into my approach in order to show you that I am also just a regular, 'ole human. I work hard to ensure we have a strong, trusting relationship so that I am able to offer suggestions, teach you, challenge you, hold you accountable, and cheer with you. My personality and approach is direct, yet flexible. Overall, I am easy going and able to customize my approach dependent on your needs. I value feedback, and encourage you to speak up if I am saying or doing something that is not working for you. This is your time, your money, and your journey. Invest in YOU!!
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I have worked with clients from a wide array of backgrounds- different ages, genders, races, sexual orientations, stages of life, views, values, morals, religions, spiritualities, employment, disabilities, and socioeconomic status. My ideal client regardless of background is one that is interested in exploration and growth, which involves learning and work; someone that wants to understand their decision making and behaviors, is interested in being introspection, is ready to make positive changes, is interested in learning new skills, and is looking to add to their support system. I work best with the following: *Ages 12-80+ *Mood Disorders- including depression, anxiety, OCD, & Bipolar *Behavioral Issues-including school issues *Crisis- including suicidal ideation, self-harm, post-hospitalization *Skill building- including communication, parenting, organization, coping, self-esteem & confidence, career expansion or change *Individuals taking psychotropic medications *Foster Care & Adoption *Parents & Caregivers *Life Transitions *Disabilities- including medical & learning *Criminal Justice involved individuals *First time therapy goers *Individuals that have tried therapy before and had a poor experience.
Family Therapy
Grief
Mood Disorders
Coping Skills
Crisis Intervention
Foster Care/Adoption
Woman
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
California
Arlo
Location
VirtualMy treatment methods
Humanistic
Being a human centered or client center therapist is my home base. This is the theory that grounds me and where I work from. I provide a non-judgmental, empathetic, and understanding approach for all clients. I offer unconditional positive regard to all clients. In my opinion, the therapeutic relationship and rapport built between client and therapist is the strongest tool in the room. Yes, I can and will bring other tools in as deemed appropriate, however, if I bring a plunger to an electrician, this is not helpful. I allow you to be the expert in the room on you; teaching me what I need to know so that I can select the right tools for you.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Some clients need lots of processing, some need some processing and some solutions, some want solutions and they want them now! I can work with each of these types of clients. For those that are looking for relief, change, and movement, I pull from solution focused tools and techniques, which include utilizing brainstorming, scaling, problem solving, and implementing work outside of sessions.
Grief Therapy
We all experience loss, from miniscule to major, multiple times throughout our life span. And loss does not just include people. It includes pets, jobs, finances, homes, belongings, physical and mental abilities, freedom, and independence. Grief will never cease to exist, however, I can help you understand how grief impacts you so you can learn to manage it when it appears; to ride the waves instead of drowning.
Existential
Existential theory focuses on the present, focuses on increasing self-awareness, normalizes anxiety, encourages authenticity, encourages creating meaning and purpose, and employs the power of choice. If any of the previously mentioned areas are a place you want to focus, learn, and grow in, I'm your gal!
Family Therapy
I have worked with families that come in all shapes and sizes. I work individually with children, individually with parents, and all together as a family unit. This is all dependent on your need, of course. My areas of focus are behavior change, learning new and/or improving parenting skills, developing new family practices, and working with those moody pre-teen and teens that no one seems to fully understand.