I’m an AllyBiography
Ashley earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Dakota State University. Ashley also attended Oakland University for a Specialized Certificate in Animal-Human Interventions. She currently is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Minnesota and North Dakota. She also is a Board Approved Supervisor in the state of Minnesota and North Dakota and oversees Birchwood Therapeutic Services clinical training program.
Ashley enjoys nature, crystals, reading, and being a tiny human mama. In her free time, you can find Ashley with friends, gardening, or trying to learn a new hobby (which often go unfinished).
Counseling Approach and Clinical Focus:
Over the past 15 years, Ashley has dedicated her career to supporting families affected by domestic violence and survivors of abuse. She is trained in DC:0-5 and has extensive expertise in trauma and attachment. Ashley has also completed Maternal Mental Health Intensive Training through Seleni, equipping her to treat Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, as well as Perinatal Loss and Grief. She is deeply passionate about helping families navigate pregnancy or child loss and enjoys normalizing the challenges of parenting.
Ashley is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (Tapping), and she provides energy work for those who feel stuck or have not found success with traditional therapy. Additionally, she is skilled in Trailblazing Communications and continues to explore the mind-body connection. Her therapeutic approach incorporates Relational Cultural Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy, and various elements of Play Therapy.
A message from Ashley:
Life is not easy, none of us were given a roadmap on how to handle the situations that impact us. The best part is that we don’t have to choose to navigate it alone. It’s okay to not know what to do, or to react in a way your embarrassed of. What’s important is what you do with that insight and how you chose to grow. Challenge old belief systems and step into your power. You have always been powerful, now it’s time for you to see it!
A bit more about Ashley…
Ashley is the co-founder and President of Addie’s Angels, which is an organization created to help provide counseling services to families who are impacted by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, infertility, and have suffered from pregnancy, infant, or child loss. Addie’s Angels is in honor of Ashley’s infant daughter, Adelyn, who passed away shortly after birth on February 3rd, 2020.
Ashley also serves on the Wilkin County Children’s Collaborative Board which serves the community by bringing vital resources to support children and their families.
Education:
- Master of Education Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, Minnesota State University of Moorhead, Moorhead, MN
Associations/Memberships:
- North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners
- Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy
- Association of Animal Assited Intervention Professionals
- Association for Play Therapy
Provider email: Ashley@birchwoodcounseling.com