it all started when...
Ashley’s interest in people, their minds and mindfulness practice started over 20 years ago when she studied the evolution of people and cultures of the world in her undergraduate degree. She was at Wake Forest University studying Cultural Anthropology and International Relations when a research project brought Ashley to Nepal. This is where eastern ideas of holistic health and wellness captivated her and ultimately lead her to study mental health from an integrative (integrating eastern and western ideas of mind, body and spirit) perspective in her graduate studies.
But, she did take a bit of a detour off her path after her undergraduate degree and prior to her graduate degree. You see, psychology and integral wellness is Ashley's second career! Her first career was Investment Banking and Venture Capital. Several years into Ashley's first career she was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer, which provided substantial perspective and an opportunity to re-evaluate the life she wanted to create for herself - a life of greater ease and less stress. To do this, Ashley returned to her primary love of Buddhist spirituality and integral wellness garnering her Master's Degree in Integral Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies.
Ashley is a practitioner of vipassana or “insight” meditation, studying at Spirit Rock Meditation Center with Sylvia Boorstein and Jack Kornfield. She completed her mindfulness in schools teacher training through Mindful Schools in early 2015. Ashley then went on to complete her Mindful Self-Compassion teacher training with the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion later that year. She regularly teaches Mindful Self-Compassion workshops and trainings and has facilitated numerous mindfulness programs at various private schools and addiction rehab facilities in San Francisco.
In the private practice setting as a therapist, Ashley provides a supportive, curious and safe environment to facilitate personal exploration, growth and change. Ashley is a warm, interactive and direct therapist. While working with Ashley, you can explore patterns, beliefs and outlooks that contribute to your pain. In time, the tools you will learn with Ashley will help you to interrupt old patterns and beliefs replacing them with thoughts or behaviors that create greater ease and enjoyment in your life. Her approach is sincere, kind and uniquely tailored to you.
Who is Dr. Charles...
Charles VonTwinkle Crouch a.k.a. Charlie was born in Houston, TX the summer of 2016. Charlie's journey into integral wellness was predestined as a Tibetan Terrier, the companion pet for monks in Tibet. Known for being affectionate, loyal and sensitive, Dr. Charles accompanies Ashley to most therapy sessions as her Co-Therapist. Together they bring warmth, compassion and love to each session.
Do I have to talk to Dr. Charles?
Not if you don't want to. He mostly lounges around and, as a shy puppy, hides. In time, and if you are wanting, Charlie will sit near you and give you cuddles and licks.
What is his purpose?
Charlie's main purpose is to bring puppy warmth and presence into the therapy office.
Professional Experience
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working with adults and couples, Private Practice
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern working with adults, couples, families and children, Private Practice
Worked with adults and couples at the Integral Counseling Center
Worked with children and families as a MFTI at USF Center for Child and Family Development
Trainings
Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher Training, The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion at UCSD
Hakomi: The New Method, Ron Kurtz
MBSR ( Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ), Rebekkah LaDyne
Mindful Self-Compassion, Linda Graham
Education
Naropa University Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy Certificate
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Certificate Trainee
California Institute of Integral Studies Master’s Degree in Integral Counseling Psychology
Wake Forest University Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural Anthropology and International Relations