• Writings by Dr. Ashley

    I spent years in school immersed in the study of how our minds, bodies, and spirits connect. Rather than letting my writings sit in a folder, I’ve taken my essays on transpersonal psychology, psychophysiology, and neurofeedback and turned them into these blog posts.

    This is my academic journey shared one reflection at a time. Bridging the gap between rigorous study and the personal insights that make sense of the human experience.

“I Have No Clue Who I Am”: How Values Can Help Build Identity

If you’ve ever thought, “I have no clue who I am,” you’re not alone. Identity can feel blurry after trauma, survival mode, people-pleasing, or years of living by other people’s expectations. This post explores how values can help you reconnect with what matters, make more aligned choices, and build a stronger sense of self one small step at a time.

Read More

A Self-Study on Psychotherapy and Post-Traumatic Growth

How do you research your own healing? This post details a personal journey into post-traumatic growth, using transpersonal methods like life-mapping, visual imagery, and meditation to pinpoint the exact moments and interventions that led to a spiritual awakening. See how a stable home, a trusted therapist, and holistic tools like crystals created a blueprint for transformation.

Read More

From Fearing Wrinkles to Embracing the Journey: How I Made Peace with Death and the Afterlife

I used to think I'd rather die young than get old. This is the story of how my perspective on both death and the afterlife completely transformed—from fearing age to celebrating it, and from a belief in Heaven and Hell to an embrace of reincarnation. A personal journey of deconstruction and discovery.

Read More

Mind Over Money: Unpacking My Personal Financial Paradigm

Our relationship with money is often written for us long before we earn our first dollar. In this deeply personal and academic post, I explore my own 'money paradigm,' shaped by experiences with homelessness, foster care, and cultural expectations. I unpack the psychological concepts of 'money scripts' and 'money disorders' to understand my own self-destructive financial behaviors and begin building a healthier future.

Read More

The Healing Power of Laughter

Laughter is often touted as the best medicine, but its benefits go far beyond mere amusement. From boosting mood and strengthening the immune system to fostering deep social connections across cultures, laughter holds transformative power for both our psychological and physical health. In this exploration, a memorable evening at a comedy show highlights how shared laughter can transcend daily worries, unify communities, and serve as a potent tool in holistic healing. Discover how incorporating laughter into our lives and therapeutic practices can revolutionize our approach to wellness.

Read More