"Enter into children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet."
-Virginia Axline

About

Hello, I am Ashley. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of VA and AR. I graduated from Regent University in 2013 and since have obtained certifications in Infant Mental Health, Play Therapy, and as a Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional. I have experience providing counseling services to children, adolescents, and families since 2014. I have experience working in a Therapeutic Day Treatment program, School Based Counseling,  Intensive In Home Therapy, and Outpatient Care.  I have provided daily groups for school aged children focusing on different topics and concerns. I have provided parenting groups as well. I have experience working with children as early as that first week home.

I have worked within the foster care system and with adoptive families. It is a passion of mine to give these children a voice. I want to help each child idenitfy and become secure in their identity - their history, their place in the world, their strengths and weaknesses, their needs, and their potential. As a parent, I know this journey is hard. As an adoptive mom, I know some of the challenges trauma can bring into the home. I believe relationships are a powerful tool for growth and healing.  I am glad you are reaching out to build those relationships.

Services

PLAY THERAPY

I am a Registered Play Therapist, which means I have had additional training and continue to receive trainings each year in play therapy. Play therapy is important because it is entering the child’s world and speaking their language. Play therapy can be wonderful for all ages to build rapport and trust. I also have training and art techniques and sand tray that I may utilize. I am a strong believer in Play Therapy and the amazing therapeutic power. You can call to discuss more about play therapy or find more information here: https://www.a4pt.org/page/ParentsCornerHomePag

CHILD PARENT PSYCHOTHERAPY

I am trained as an infant mental health provider. I utilize Child Parent Psychotherapy when working with a caregiver and young child. The beginning stages I will spend several weeks meeting with just the caregiver to better understand family beliefs, culture, and trauma. Then I will meet with caregiver and child in a play therapy setting. This approach will help caregiver and child connect and co-regulate in a safe atmosphere. To learn more visit: https://childparentpsychotherapy.com/

FAMILY THERAPY

I want to be a safe place for children, but ultimately want the family to be the safe base. No matter what the age I can assist parents with parenting strategies that may include ways to build connection, communication skills, understating brain development, and discipline strategies. Family therapy will be used in addition to play therapy individually with the child. I can meet with caregivers without the child or may meet with child and caregiver at times. Family Therapy frequency and session structure will differ depending on the family’s needs.

SUPERVISION

I can provide supervision to residents in counseling in the state of VA. I am also a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. I can provide the required supervision hours to obtain your RPT credential. Please contact me to discuss further and see if it is a good fit.

Resources

There are so many helpful resources available. It can be hard to find the time to read or listen to a podcast. I will often use and recommend several helpful resources. Some of those include:
  • I Love You Rituals by Becky Bailey 
  • The Connected Child/The Connected Parent by Karyn Purvis - TBRI 
  • Dan Siegel Books (Whole Brain Child, Brainstorm, Parenting from Inside Out, No Drama Discipline)
  • Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control by Heather Forbes and Bryan Post (website also)
  • Bruce Perry, Ross Greene, and Bessel Van Kolk 
  • Robyn Gobbel podcast and website 

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line 741741

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Contact

  • 4425 Portsmouth Blvd, Chesapeake, Virginia
  • Suite 120