Ashley Walker
Please reach out to me for an appointment, even if the calendar says I do not have any availability. As a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience in the field of behavioral health, I bring a holistic and compassionate approach to outpatient therapy. Since 2016, I have been dedicated to supporting individuals and families through comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment, integrating traditional therapeutic methods with mindfulness-based practices. I hold a Master’s degree in Addiction Studies and Counseling, along with a Doctorate in Human Services with a focus on Leadership and Organizational Management. My clinical work is informed by both academic excellence and real-world experience. I have designed and implemented Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) for both adolescents and adults, addressing a wide spectrum of mental health and substance use concerns. My professional journey includes significant work within the criminal justice system, where I’ve provided specialized care and advocacy for justice-involved individuals.
First session
Starting therapy can bring up a mix of emotions—from hope and relief to nervousness and uncertainty. That's completely normal. My goal is to make your first session as comfortable and welcoming as possible. During our first appointment, we'll spend time getting to know one another. I'll ask questions about what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, your personal history, and what you hope to gain from counseling. This helps me better understand your unique experiences and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. You can also expect us to discuss: The challenges or symptoms you're currently experiencing Your mental health, medical, family, and social history Your strengths, supports, and coping skills Any questions or concerns you have about the therapy process Your goals for counseling and what success would look like for you Please know that you are never expected to share more than you feel comfortable sharing. Therapy is a process, and trust develops over time. We will move at a pace that feels safe and appropriate for you. By the end of the session, we'll begin discussing a plan for moving forward together, including possible treatment goals and recommendations. Future sessions will focus more on building skills, exploring patterns, processing experiences, and helping you make progress toward the goals that are most important to you. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to do therapy. You don't need to have everything figured out before you arrive. Simply showing up is an important first step, and I'm honored to be part of your journey. I look forward to meeting you and working together toward your goals.
Strengths
I believe that effective therapy is about more than simply talking through problems—it's about creating meaningful, lasting change. My approach combines compassion, evidence-based treatment, and practical strategies that clients can apply in their everyday lives. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor each session to your unique needs, goals, strengths, and experiences. No two people are the same, and your treatment shouldn't be either. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, or personal growth, we'll work together to develop a plan that fits you. I also believe therapy should feel like a partnership. You'll find a balance of supportive listening, thoughtful questions, practical skill-building, and gentle accountability. My goal is not only to help you better understand yourself but also to equip you with tools and strategies that promote confidence and resilience long after our sessions end. My experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and individuals from diverse backgrounds has reinforced one important truth: healing looks different for everyone. I strive to create an environment where you feel safe, respected, and empowered to move forward at a pace that feels right for you. Above all, I want every client to leave each session feeling heard, valued, and better equipped to face life's challenges. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you can gain insight, build practical skills, and discover strengths you may not have realized you already possess.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are individuals, adolescents, and families who are ready to better understand themselves, develop healthier coping strategies, and work toward meaningful change. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, behavioral concerns, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands. While they don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy, they are open to exploring new perspectives, learning practical skills, and actively participating in the therapeutic process. I value building a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel supported, challenged, and empowered to create lasting growth and resilience.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we explore unhelpful thinking patterns that may be contributing to stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or other challenges. I help clients develop practical skills to challenge negative thoughts, improve emotional regulation, and create healthier behavioral responses. CBT is a collaborative, goal-oriented approach that focuses on building coping skills and creating meaningful, lasting change in everyday life.
Motivational Interviewing
In my practice, I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore their goals, values, and reasons for change in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Rather than telling clients what they should do, I work collaboratively with them to identify their own motivations and strengths. This approach is especially helpful when clients feel stuck, uncertain, or ambivalent about making changes related to mental health, relationships, substance use, health behaviors, or life transitions. Through open conversation, reflective listening, and goal exploration, clients can build confidence, increase motivation, and take meaningful steps toward lasting change.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
In my practice, I use Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients identify their strengths, resources, and existing successes rather than focusing solely on problems. This approach encourages clients to envision their preferred future and recognize the small, achievable steps that can move them toward their goals. Together, we explore what is already working, build on past successes, and develop practical solutions that fit each client's unique situation. Solution-Focused Therapy helps clients increase hope, confidence, and resilience while creating meaningful and lasting change.
Mind-body approach
In my practice, I take a mind-body approach that recognizes the powerful connection between emotional well-being and physical health. Stress, trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges can affect the body, just as physical health concerns can impact mental health. I help clients develop greater awareness of this connection through techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, relaxation strategies, body awareness, movement-based interventions, and other evidence-informed practices. By addressing both the mind and body, clients can improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, build resilience, and develop a greater sense of balance and overall well-being.
Location
Virtual sessions