“I have discovered the value of psychology and psychiatry, that their teachings can undo knots in us and permit life to flow again and aid us in becoming more truly human”.
~Jean Vanier.

Welcome to therapy with Ashton

Many people are nervous during their first therapy session as they have not sat with a psychologist before, and feel uncertain as to what they should say or do or what to expect. This feeling is completely normal. There is no right or wrong way ‘to be’ in therapy. We will work at a pace that is comfortable for you as the client and you set the expectations by creating your own therapeutic goals.

A popular misconception is that a psychologist can read their client’s mind and will offer advice. This is not the case. Therapy is a joint process whereby the psychologist assists and guides the client in a therapeutic space that is conducive toward self-learning and self-understanding. This can include understanding the relationship with oneself, as well as with others. Frequently when an individual is struggling, it will have an impact on themselves, their relationship with others, as well as their home and work life.

Therapy is a safe space for the client to sit and talk with their psychologist. What is said in therapy is confidential, thus it cannot be shared with others. This private space is to allow you as the client to reflect and explore what is troubling you, or to develop self-insight in order to generate self-growth. The benefit of a psychologist is that I can provide a consistent, non-judgemental and safe space for the client; I can be neutral as I do not know your circle of friends or your family members. This allows us to delve deeper into your worries or concerns. I can offer insight from a different perspective that will provide you, as the client, with more clarity.

This unique therapeutic relationship enables change and development. By exploring your past ineffective patterns of relating and being, we can explore how it has contributed to the present problem. In turn this understanding can make way for effective patterns of relating to enable a more positive and meaningful present and future.

I can assist with a variety of issues, such as:

Working toward the resolution of your presenting problems;
providing you the client with coping skills;
as well as working toward your therapeutic and life goals.

Please take a look at my “therapy services” tab for more information on the types of therapy that I offer, including: individual adult and adolescent sessions, couples sessions, hypnotherapy, virtual reality therapy, trauma sensitive yoga and movement therapy and equine-assisted psychotherapy.

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I can also assist with the following: