ASHLEY BLACKWELL

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Cedar Park, Texas who supports individual adults in their process of healing and growth. As the relationship with the therapist is highly indicative of positive outcomes in therapy, here is a little information about me and how I work to help you determine if I may be a good fit.

I believe that every individual has within them the capacity for growth and healing, but through the circumstances of life we all develop ways of protecting ourselves and limiting access to this healing potential within. I prioritize working with the protective systems that have been developed over time in order to allow more access to this healing energy. I take a compassionate approach to these protective parts in recognizing they have needed to take on these roles for a reason and then through the presence of a safe therapeutic relationship (in which these parts feel seen and understood) these parts can begin to take on new roles. This begins to allow balance, harmony and wholeness within the internal system which in turn allows space to express oneself and engage more harmoniously with others. Succinctly put, I believe healing begins by looking within and understanding and healing the internal system.

My belief in this model of healing has largely come from my own experience in therapy as well as several years of working with this model with clients.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University in 2007
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary in 2013
Eight years practicing as a licensed professional counselor and intern (2013-present) with experience in an Acute Treatment Unit, a Methadone Clinic and group practice setting
In private practice since 2017
Level 1 Trained in Internal Family Systems
Training and education in the integration of Theology and Psychology

SPECIALTIES

Adult Children of Alcoholics (see below)
relationship concerns or difficulties
boundaries
anxiety
depression
trauma
people pleasing and perfectionism
abuse and neglect (past or present)
spiritual issues
self-esteem
grief and loss

I have a particular interest in working with Adult Children of Alcoholics. One phrase that is often used to describe alcoholics is that “the only consistent thing about [them] is their inconsistency”. Growing up in a home where alcohol is the focus creates an environment of chaos and unpredictability. Children’s developmental needs are rarely the priority in these homes. In these situations it is necessary for children to build defenses to protect them from this chaos and learn how to survive. Unfortunately, these defenses begin to outlive their function when these children become adults, which creates challenges in friendships, with family and at work.

Over the years I have had the opportunity to walk alongside clients as they address these challenging experiences and begin to consider new ways of engaging in their relationships. By working through the lens of Internal Family Systems and attachment based theory, I join clients who are able to address current concerns while exploring early childhood experiences that have contributed to these concerns.

Contact Ashley BlackwellContact Ashley Blackwell

Roots Counseling

507 DENALI PASS, SUITE 201, CEDAR PARK, TX 78613, USA