LCSW, 5 years of experience
Welcome. I’m glad you’re here. I specialize in helping individuals heal from Complex PTSD and family-of-origin issues that continue to shape how they see themselves and relate to others. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck in patterns they can’t quite explain—often carrying the weight of old wounds that never had the chance to fully heal. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and individualized. I honor your unique experiences and tailor our work together to meet your specific needs and goals. Using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and other trauma-informed methods, we’ll work to reduce the emotional intensity of past experiences so you can move toward greater clarity, self-connection, and peace. Healing from complex trauma takes courage, but it is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we’ll create a space where your story is understood, your resilience is honored, and meaningful change can take root.
In your first therapy session, you can anticipate a welcoming and compassionate environment where I will take the time to understand your unique needs and concerns. This session typically includes an initial assessment, listening to your experiences, and discussing therapy goals and approaches. It's a crucial opportunity to establish a therapeutic relationship built on trust and empathy, setting the stage for a holistic and supportive journey towards improved mental health and well-being.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to help clients feel deeply seen, understood, and accepted for who they are. I believe that healing begins in the context of a safe and genuine relationship, where clients can finally let their guard down and explore their inner world without fear of judgment. I place a strong emphasis on building authentic rapport, meeting each person with warmth, empathy, and respect. My clients often share that they feel comfortable and supported early in the process, which allows us to move into meaningful work more effectively. By creating this foundation of trust and emotional safety, I help clients connect with parts of themselves that have been overlooked or silenced. This connection becomes the catalyst for lasting change—empowering them to process trauma, develop new insights, and move toward greater self-compassion and confidence.
My ideal clients are motivated for genuine change and ready to engage in the deep inner work that healing requires. They may have lived through difficult or invalidating experiences—often within their families of origin—and are now seeking to break old patterns and build healthier, more authentic connections with themselves and others. These clients value self-awareness and personal growth, even when the process feels uncomfortable. They understand that healing from Complex PTSD or relational trauma isn’t about quick fixes, but about developing new ways of relating to their emotions, memories, and sense of self. They come to therapy open, curious, and committed—willing to explore painful truths, process past experiences through EMDR or other trauma-informed methods, and practice new skills between sessions. Above all, they are individuals who believe—sometimes for the first time—that they deserve more peace, self-trust, and emotional freedom, and are ready to do the work to create it.
In our work together, I use a combination of approaches, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and somatic techniques, to help you tune into the sensations in your body. This allows us to safely process traumatic memories, reduce physical stress responses, and promote emotional regulation. The goal is to integrate both mental and physical healing, enabling you to release trauma’s hold and regain a sense of well-being, calm, and control over your life. Through mind-body focus, you can experience healing that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
By fostering self-compassion, you begin to create a healthier, more supportive inner dialogue, one that moves away from self-criticism and towards understanding, acceptance, and patience. This process helps you break free from toxic patterns of shame and guilt, allowing you to heal from the inside out and approach life with greater resilience and self-worth. My goal is to help you cultivate a compassionate mindset that empowers you to navigate challenges with kindness, rather than harsh self-judgment, as you continue on your journey of healing.
I take great care in providing culturally sensitive therapy that acknowledges and respects the diverse backgrounds, identities, and life experiences that each individual brings to the therapeutic process. I understand that culture shapes how we view ourselves, navigate relationships, and interact with the world around us, and I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, valued, and understood.
I provide trauma-informed care by creating a safe, supportive environment where you feel empowered to explore your experiences at your own pace. Key principles of my approach include: Safety: Ensuring both emotional and physical safety in our therapeutic space. Trustworthiness: Building a consistent and transparent relationship where you feel comfortable sharing. Choice: Empowering you to make decisions about your therapy and pace of healing. Collaboration: Working together to co-create goals and strategies that align with your needs. Empowerment: Supporting you in reclaiming control over your healing journey. Cultural Sensitivity: Honoring your unique cultural background in the healing process.
4 ratings with written reviews
June 9, 2025
This is only my initial intake but Ashley seems very authentic and genuine and asks appropriate questions and seems to care. I’m excited to continue treatment.
April 30, 2025
I feel so comfortable talking about my struggles and situations I faced daily. Dr. Kerner let me talk and process my thoughts in a healthy way. I have seen a lot of progress in me. I am grateful of being able to work with her.
April 24, 2025
Ashley has many tricks in her bag, and is both willing and able to change tactics if something doesn't work for me, unlike others who try to fit you into their prefab program. Her EMDR is outstanding! We often laugh during our sessions. She's very encouraging, understanding, empowering and doesn't judge me or my issues. All of this is a MUST for my therapist to have. I have referred her to others and will continue to do so. Ashley rocks!! :D