Ashley Walters
My name is Ashley and I'm a board certified art therapist and licensed professional counselor. I enjoy regular hikes, camping, creating art, and home cooked meals. I hope to support clients in finding ways to live their life to the fullest. If you had no more problems, what would your everyday look like?
Sometimes words don't always reflect how we are feeling, and I can help you fully express yourself in this way.
What has been barriers to achieving a more fulfilling life?
First session
Intake session with me includes exploring what inspired you to come to therapy, how can I be a better therapist for you, and what you'd like to receive from therapy. I may ask a handful of questions including family history, substance use, exploring your experiences with anxiety or depression, etc. I have a preference for clients to open up on their own about trauma, as it allows you to be in control of when you tell your story. It is helpful for me to know if the trauma exists in the first session, but it is not necessary for you to go into details until you feel comfortable to.
Strengths
I enjoy utilizing art therapy, though it is not a requirement. It is also not required for clients to be artistic or creative when participating in art therapy. Sometimes words don't always reflect how we are feeling, and I can help you fully express yourself in this way.
Ideal clients
The clients I work with best are open to exploring how they got to their current position in life. We are who we are and struggle with our shortcomings due to our lived experiences.
Treatment methods
Eclectic
I would consider myself an eclectic therapist that primarily utilizes art therapy, humanistic, CBT, motivational interviewing, and gestalt approaches to allow the client to feel heard and understood. I have primarily worked with those struggling with substance use and also enjoy working with family members of those struggling with substance use. I enjoy helping clients identify boundaries and self care practices that work for them in order to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.
Location
Virtual sessions