I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Qualified Supervisor with over 30 years of experience helping children, adults, older adults, and families navigate life's challenges with compassion, hope, and practical support. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working in schools, hospice care, healthcare, and private practice. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of grief, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, chronic illness, emotional regulation, and the importance of healthy relationships. I also have a passion for supporting neurodivergent children and partnering with parents to better understand their child's unique strengths, challenges, and way of experiencing the world. My approach is warm, genuine, and collaborative. I believe lasting change begins when you feel safe, heard, and truly understood. Therapy should feel like a conversation, not something intimidating. Together, we'll build on your strengths, develop practical tools, and help you move forward with confidence and renewed hope. I believe growth happens through connection, compassion, and understanding, and that even small steps can lead to meaningful change. I tailor therapy to each person's unique needs, using research-supported, evidence-based approaches that foster self-awareness, strengthen relationships, build healthy coping skills, and help you navigate life's challenges with resilience. If your relationship with God is an important part of your life, it will be welcomed and honored throughout the counseling process. We can thoughtfully integrate biblical principles, prayer, and research-supported, evidence-based therapy to support emotional, spiritual, and personal growth. Wherever you are in your journey, I'd be honored to walk alongside you as you move toward greater peace, resilience, and renewed purpose.

I have been professionally helping people for over 33 years. During that time I have gained a lot of experience, training and education that I put to work for you to help you get to where you want to be. I am nonjudgmental, compassionate and easy to relate to. I absolutely love what I do and my life has meaning because I see people I council get in with their life and living in healthy and meaningful ways. I am truly here for you. I could have retired a long time ago but I cannot believe that there is anything more satisfying or fulfilling than helping people when they reach out and ask for it.

With over 25 years of experience as a licensed therapist, I provide compassionate, expert support to individuals navigating life’s most challenging and meaningful transitions. In addition to my clinical work, I have taught at the university level, bringing a depth of knowledge and insight to my practice. I specialize in helping clients manage depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship challenges, as well as the complex emotional experiences that often arise during midlife, aging, and young adulthood. Whether you are facing a major life change, feeling stuck, or simply seeking greater clarity and balance, I offer a supportive space to explore what matters most to you. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I draw from decades of experience to help you better understand your emotions, identify patterns that may be holding you back, and develop tools for lasting change. Together, we will work at your pace to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I am particularly attuned to the challenges, depression, anxiety, grief, the challenges of caregiving, family dynamics, loss, and life transitions such as divorce or shifts in identity and purpose. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered as you move forward. Reaching out can be the hardest step—but it is also the first step toward meaningful change.

I have always wanted to help people and have been happy to lend an ear or a shoulder to anyone in my path who has ever wanted or needed that. Since adolescence I have been a natural therapist to those around me working my way to where I am now, and I couldn't be happier doing this work. We all need someone to talk to who can help us navigate some of life's challenges. Sometimes we are lucky enough to have a friend or loved one who can give us what we need, but sometimes we need a different perspective or a neutral ear. It is important to know that you don't have to do it alone. If you are feeling overwhelmed by life or struggling to work through some difficulties on your own, support is a helpful and a good thing to seek and accept. I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. My goal is to provide an overall experience where you feel comfortable, welcomed and supported in this part of the journey. I use a trauma-informed connection and compassion focused, client lead, strengths based, talk therapy approach. I incorporate evidence based modalities such as, cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, relaxation techniques and structured grief work. Come as you are, I will affirm you and support you in being your most authentic self. The healing journey is personal, non-linear and can feel overwhelming. One of my favorite quotes about therapy is “Therapy is a gift. It is a chance to finally be heard, understood and supported.” If you are ready to take this step and gift this to yourself, I am ready to unconditionally hear and hold your experiences with you on this journey.

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 (I’m a proud BookTok girly). Some of my favorite reads have come straight from client recommendations. 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, and tumblers. 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.