Ashley Parkinson (she/her/hers)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a supportive, practical, and evidence-based approach that helps you build a richer, more meaningful life—even when things feel difficult. ACT teaches skills to help you notice thoughts, emotions, memories, and body sensations with greater openness and less struggle. In ACT, you learn how to step back from unhelpful thought patterns, connect with what truly matters to you, and take meaningful actions that align with your values.

Mindfulness-based

Mindfulness-based therapy helps you develop the ability to pay attention to the present moment with compassion and non-judgment. Mindfulness can be especially helpful in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and in addressing concerns related to eating and body image, as well as substance use. Mindfulness isn’t about emptying your mind or doing things perfectly—it’s about building awareness and self-compassion so you can navigate life’s challenges with greater balance and intention.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, respectful approach to therapy that helps you explore and strengthen your own motivation for change. Rather than telling you what to do, MI focuses on understanding your values, goals, and ambivalence in a supportive, non-judgmental way. Through thoughtful conversation, you are guided to clarify what matters most to you and build confidence in your ability to make meaningful changes. Motivational Interviewing honors your autonomy.

Adjustment Disorder

I enjoy supporting people through life transitions, as these can be times of great growth and learning (as well as challenge and exhaustion). I have experience working with college students in "quarter-life crisis," as well as people facing "mid-life overwhelm" as they manage relationships, career, health, and caregiving of children and elders. Although stress is a normal part of big life changes, having support during difficult times can reduce symptoms and prevent further complications.

Body Image Issues

I work with body image issues from a body positive, HAES (Health at Every Size) perspective, and from my own lived experience as someone who has learned to see beyond diet and fat-hating culture to a place of body acceptance and respect. I support my clients wherever they are in their relationships with their bodies through the principles of Intuitive Eating and The Center for Body Trust model. I employ Motivational Interviewing to help people identify personal values and goals toward change.

Relationship / Marriage Issues

Our relationships are the heart and soul of our lives--they often are what makes us get out of bed in the morning, and what gives us reason to grow, learn, and become better people. When our relationships aren't working, or when they are abusive, destructive, or harmful, we have difficulty functioning well in other areas of our lives. I support my clients in working toward healthy relationships through identifying the longstanding patterns that have become unseen obstacles to change.

Self-Esteem

Sometimes, even when we have it "all together on the outside," we secretly harbor feelings of dislike toward ourselves or feel like we are not valuable. Low self-worth often starts in childhood, or begins when someone experiences a harmful relationship or traumatic incidence. I support clients in boosting self-worth by exploring longstanding patterns of thought, feeling and behavior, and through mindfulness practice, boundary-setting, communication skills, and building on natural strengths.

Early Recovery

I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-I) and spent several years working in community addictions facilities focused on early recovery. I am knowledgeable about 12-Step, SMART Recovery, harm-reduction, and other recovery models. I support people in early recovery through a strong therapeutic alliance, shame reduction, encouragement, relapse planning, and referrals to higher levels of care as needed. I employ Motivational Interviewing to help people find internal motivation to change.