New to Grow
Hi, I’m Ashley — a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UCF and a background in Psychology and Criminal Justice from FSU. I work full time in an inpatient setting in a leadership role, supporting individuals with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and acute emotional or behavioral needs. Alongside this, I maintain a private practice where I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and holistic. I meet you where you are, honor your experiences, and focus on the whole person — not just the presenting problem. Whether you’re processing complex trauma, moving through a difficult season, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to help you build insight, find balance, and move toward healing and growth. And please know: I don’t want cost to be a barrier. I offer a sliding scale to help make therapy more accessible.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, you can expect a calm, straightforward space where I’ll ask focused questions to understand your background, what’s going on currently, and what you’d like to work toward. I’m direct but supportive, and I’ll offer clear feedback without sugarcoating or judgment. Together, we’ll start identifying what’s getting in the way and outline realistic goals for our work. The first session is meant to give you clarity, a sense of direction, and a clear understanding of how we’ll move forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My strengths include approaching each client with genuine curiosity, seeing the full picture rather than just the symptoms, and helping you get to practical solutions without dragging out the process. I’m direct and clear in my feedback, and I ask intentional questions that help you recognize patterns and make sense of what’s going on early in our work together. I work well with clients who are willing to be honest with themselves and open to trying new approaches. My style is straightforward and steady, focusing on identifying what’s getting in the way, exploring realistic alternatives, and supporting progress that feels manageable and long-lasting.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are those who come in ready to participate and open to doing real work. They appreciate direct, honest feedback and are willing to look at both what’s working and what isn’t without defensiveness. I work well with individuals seeking clarity and growth—whether they’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem concerns, substance use, or major transitions. The clients I’m most effective with value a collaborative approach, are receptive to practical insights, and are willing to try new strategies between sessions. You don’t need to have answers—just a willingness to engage in the process.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in inpatient and acute treatment settings, supporting individuals with substance use disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, and low self-esteem. My work focuses on helping clients identify maladaptive thought patterns, challenge cognitive distortions, and develop healthier behavioral responses. I regularly integrate structured interventions such as thought records, behavioral activation, exposure principles, and skills development to promote insight and sustainable change. I tailor CBT interventions to crisis stabilization as well as long-term recovery, ensuring clients gain practical tools they can immediately apply.
Motivational Interviewing
I consistently utilize Motivational Interviewing to enhance clients’ intrinsic motivation for change, particularly in the context of substance use treatment and behavioral health crises. I apply MI through a collaborative, strengths-based approach that honors autonomy and reduces resistance. My experience includes guiding clients through exploring ambivalence, identifying personal values, and reinforcing self-efficacy. Whether in individual or group settings, I use reflective listening, open-ended questioning, and strategic affirmation to help clients build commitment to meaningful behavioral shifts.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients build psychological flexibility, reduce avoidance strategies, and move toward value-aligned living. In inpatient settings, I focus on helping clients notice and unhook from unhelpful thoughts, tolerate distress, and cultivate acceptance of internal experiences. I frequently integrate ACT concepts such as cognitive defusion, values clarification, and committed action planning into both individual and group sessions. These interventions support individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, and chronic emotional pain, allowing them to reconnect with purpose and self-compassion.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy principles to support clients with emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, self-harm urges, and interpersonal difficulties commonly present in inpatient SUD and SPMI populations. My work includes delivering DBT-informed skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness within groups and individual sessions. I emphasize a balance of acceptance and change, validating clients’ emotional experiences while helping them build practical coping strategies. I also incorporate crisis intervention techniques, behavioral chain analysis, and coaching moments to reinforce skill use in real time.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I apply Internal Family Systems concepts to help clients better understand and integrate their internal emotional landscape, particularly when working with trauma, shame, and deeply rooted patterns connected to addiction or mood instability. My approach involves helping clients identify protective parts, wounded parts, and their core Self with curiosity and compassion. I guide clients in developing internal dialogue, reducing self-criticism, and fostering healing between parts that may hold conflicting needs or fears. IFS-informed work supports clients in increasing self-leadership, emotional clarity, and resilience as they move through recovery.