Ashley Thomas
Ashley Thomas
Hi, I’m Ashley—therapist, animal lover, creative soul, and lifelong daydreamer. I bring a warm and down-to-earth approach to my work, and I believe that connection, curiosity, and authenticity are at the heart of healing. When I’m not in session, you can usually find me lost in a good book—especially fantasy, romantasy, or dark romance (yes, I’m a proud BookTok girly). Some of my favorite reads have come straight from client recommendations, and I always love hearing what’s on your bookshelf. I’m also a big fan of all things crafty. Paper crafting is my go-to—especially junk journals and mini albums—but I’ve dabbled in wreaths, t-shirts, tumblers, and just about anything that lets me work with my hands. My creativity also spills into my love of music, which spans from Sleep Token to George Strait to Eminem. I’m always up for discovering new bands or catching a local show. On slower days, I love wandering through antique stores and thrift shops. Most of my home is decorated with pieces that have a story—either found secondhand or passed down through family. I find comfort in giving old things new life. Animals have always been a grounding force in my world. I’ve been riding horses since I was four, and my heart horse, Kirby, is my trail buddy and snack-sharing best friend (she’s a big fan of applesauce and cupcakes). My two dogs, Oliver and Dottie, are certified therapy dogs who’ve joined me in visits to hospices, hospitals, nursing homes, and children’s reading programs. Together, Kirby, Oliver, and Dottie inspired the name Free to Wander Counseling—a reflection of my belief that healing often begins when we allow ourselves to explore, play, and connect in gentle, open-hearted ways. Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here—just as you are.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
As we dive into the session, we’ll explore how your past experiences have shaped your beliefs and behaviors, and how they play out in your interactions with others. Together, we’ll uncover unconscious patterns and limiting beliefs that may be influencing your emotional and relational challenges. We’ll examine the roles you’ve learned to play in life, and how the parts of yourself that remain hidden can be brought into greater alignment with your authentic expression. Using reflective listening, body awareness, and clear communication, I will support you in deepening your self-awareness, helping you better understand your emotions and needs. By the end of our session, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of how to align your internal experience with your outward expression, creating a more true and fulfilling connection with yourself and others. My ultimate goal is to help you align with your most authentic self—mentally, emotionally, and physically—while fostering healing and growth.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I believe my greatest strengths as a provider lie in my ability to create a deeply supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can feel safe to explore their most authentic selves. I am skilled at integrating a variety of therapeutic modalities to meet clients where they are. I have a strong ability to hold space for clients as they process deep emotional work. I approach each session with patience and empathy, recognizing that healing takes time and that every client’s journey is unique. My commitment to reflective listening ensures that clients feel truly heard and understood, which can be transformative for self-awareness and growth. Additionally, I am passionate about helping clients uncover and embrace their authentic selves. I use Jungian principles to explore the unconscious patterns, limiting beliefs, and hidden aspects of the self that influence behavior. This allows clients to align more closely with their true desires and values, leading to greater fulfillment in their relationships and lives.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with clients healing from anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, and relationship trauma, using evidence-based approaches like Brainspotting, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Through Brainspotting, we target unresolved emotional trauma, helping release stored tension and facilitating healing. ACT helps clients build psychological flexibility, teaching them to accept difficult emotions while focusing on values-driven actions. CBT is used to challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies. Together, we’ll work to rebuild self-worth, regulate emotions, and foster meaningful connections, empowering you to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and self-assurance.
About Ashley Thomas
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Brainspotting
I use Brainspotting as a therapeutic tool to help clients access and process deep-seated emotional trauma stored in the body and mind. By identifying specific "brainspots"—areas of visual focus that correlate with unresolved emotions or memories—we can help clients release trauma and emotional blocks in a safe, controlled way. This technique allows for profound healing by helping clients process and integrate traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional charge and promoting emotional regulation, self-awareness, and a sense of calm.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns that influence their emotions and behaviors. By working together, we explore how certain beliefs or thought distortions contribute to challenges like anxiety, depression, or stress. Through practical tools and exercises, I help clients reframe these thoughts, develop healthier coping strategies, and replace unhelpful behaviors with more balanced, empowering ones. My goal is to support clients in gaining greater awareness of their thought processes and building skills to foster positive, lasting change.
Grief Therapy
I treat grief by creating a safe, compassionate space for clients to process their emotions at their own pace. Through a holistic approach, I help individuals explore how grief manifests in both their minds and bodies, using techniques like breathwork, somatic awareness, and reflective listening to release emotional and physical tension. I also support clients in understanding the impact of grief on their beliefs, relationships, and overall sense of self, helping them reconnect with their authentic selves and find resilience through the healing process. Grief is a deeply personal journey, and my goal is to help clients navigate it with empathy, support, and gentle guidance.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients embrace their emotions and thoughts without judgment, while also focusing on living in alignment with their core values. Through mindfulness practices and techniques, we work on increasing psychological flexibility, allowing clients to accept difficult emotions and thoughts rather than avoid or fight them. I support clients in clarifying what truly matters to them and help them take meaningful actions toward a life that reflects their authentic self, fostering a sense of purpose, resilience, and well-being.