• 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.

Spirituality & Mental Health ashley wilson Spirituality & Mental Health ashley wilson

Psychosis or Spiritual Awakening? A Clinician's Reflection on What We Call 'Mental Illness'

As a therapist, I'm required to diagnose according to the DSM, but what if some "symptoms" are actually a spiritual emergency? This post is a personal reflection on the line between pathology and spiritual awakening, and the real-world challenges clinicians face in a system that doesn't always make room for the soul.

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Deconstructing 'Magic': A Reflection on Western Beliefs and Indigenous Wisdom

Growing up, I was taught to judge spiritual practices that were different from my own. This post is a personal reflection on deconstructing those beliefs by exploring what Indigenous cultures can teach us about the true meaning of "spirit" and the vital importance of giving back to the Earth in any healing practice.

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Faith, Suicide, and the "Sin" of Despair: Navigating Religious Guilt in Therapy

If a person is too depressed to think logically, is suicide still a "sin"? This post explores the difficult intersection of Islam, Mental Health, and Suicide. I ask whether religious communities would be more forgiving if they understood the biology of depression, and how therapists can navigate the guilt of religious clients.

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Mental Illness or Spirit Possession? Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Diagnosis and Ancient Wisdom

Is it schizophrenia, or is it something else? This post explores the striking parallels between modern mental health diagnoses and ancient descriptions of spirit possession. I reflect on a client of mine whose symptoms defy simple explanation and ask how our cultural lens shapes the way we treat mental illness.

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Beyond Talk Therapy: An Introduction to Psychotherapeutic Reiki

Go beyond talk therapy to explore the world of Psychotherapeutic Reiki, a practice that combines traditional counseling with energy healing. This post breaks down how Reiki addresses the energetic root cause of mental health issues by balancing the body's chakras. Learn how this holistic approach works to release blockages, reduce symptoms, and create long-term wellness.

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Why Spirituality Belongs in Modern Therapy

Is a cure for symptoms the same as true healing? This post argues that for many, the answer is no. Discover the powerful, evidence-based case for integrating spirituality and religion into modern psychotherapy. From improving emotion regulation to reducing depression, learn why addressing a client's core beliefs is the key to healing the whole person.

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