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 (yes, I’m a proud BookTok girly). Some of my favorite reads have come straight from client recommendations, and 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, tumblers, and just about anything that lets me work with my hands. 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.
My blog is where I share honest reflections, healing tools, and insights from both my clinical work and personal journey. I write about what it means to truly come home to yourself—through trauma recovery, nervous system healing, spirituality, and the deep wisdom of nature. If you're craving real talk, gentle guidance, and a space to feel seen, you're in the right place.
If you're ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start trusting your inner wisdom, you're in the right place. In our sessions, we’ll work together to heal old wounds, build strong boundaries, and quiet that harsh inner critic. This isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about coming home to who you’ve always been. Click on the link below to book an appointment.
"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes" - Carl Jung
As a trauma survivor, I know firsthand what it’s like to feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. Brainspotting had a profound impact on my own healing journey, helping me access and release deeply held emotional pain in a way traditional talk therapy couldn’t.
My spiritual path supported the final leg of that journey, guiding me home to myself and reconnecting me with my purpose. Every service I now offer—tarot, shadow work, chakra balancing, breathwork, and nature-based mindfulness—is something I’ve personally used to heal. I was once my own ideal client, which gives me a deep understanding of the courage it takes to do this work.
Today, I help others reconnect with their inner wisdom, trust themselves more fully, and live with authenticity and confidence.
Outside of therapy, you can find me hiking, crafting, or spending time with my dogs and horses—who continue to teach me about presence, peace, and connection every day.
My practice is informed by an integrative clinical framework that incorporates the fundamental beliefs rooted in Integrative Mind-Body- Spirit Social Work, Eco-Psychology, Energy Psychology, Jungian Psychology, and Psychodynamic, Somatic, Polyvagal, and Humanistic Theory.
This means I take a holistic approach to healing, helping clients assess all aspects of life—emotional, physical, social, and spiritual—to foster balance and resilience (Integrative Mind-Body-Spirit Social Work). I guide clients in identifying strengths, embracing authenticity, and developing self-trust, rather than being defined by past wounds (Humanistic). My work also focuses on how emotions, memories, and energy are stored in the body, using tools like brainspotting and breathwork to promote regulation and release (Somatic).
I integrate eco-mindfulness and deep connection with nature and animals as a source of grounding and emotional regulation (Eco-Psychology), as well as integrate interventions focused on movement, nervous system awareness, and time outdoors to support clients in creating safety and connection within themselves and the world around them (Polyvagal Theory).
In sessions, I encourage clients to explore their emotions, energy, and patterns of interaction with others, helping them recognize how past experiences shape their beliefs and behaviors (Energy Psychology & Psychodynamic). I also help clients examine the roles they have learned to play in different areas of life—what parts of themselves they show to the world versus what remains hidden beneath the surface (Jungian). Through this process, we uncover unconscious patterns, limiting beliefs, and deeply rooted narratives that may be influencing emotional and relational challenges (Jungian & Psychodynamic).
Using reflective listening, body awareness, and communication skills, I support clients in developing a clearer understanding of their emotions and needs. By deepening this self-awareness, clients can begin to integrate their authentic selves, aligning their internal experiences with their outward expression in a way that feels true and fulfilling (Jungian & Somatic).
Ultimately, I help clients align with their most authentic selves—mentally, emotionally, and physically—while fostering self-awareness, connection, and healing (Humanistic & Integrative Mind-Body-Spirit).
The name Free to Wander was born from Ashley’s deep and personal connection to nature. It came to her while riding her horse through the quiet trails of Southern Indiana—moments where the rhythm of the land and the stillness of her thoughts blended together.
In those open spaces, Ashley discovered that wandering—both through the natural world and through the inner landscapes of the mind—can be a powerful path to self-understanding and healing.
This belief is now woven into the heart of her counseling approach. Ashley integrates therapeutic modalities that honor the idea that healing doesn’t always follow a straight line. Sometimes, it’s in the gentle wandering—through stories, emotions, memories, and wild places—where true transformation begins.A short introduction to the workshop instructors and why their background should inspire potential student’s confidence.