• 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.

Dreams & Consciousness ashley wilson Dreams & Consciousness ashley wilson

When a Dream Is More Than a Dream: Analyzing a Visit from the Other Side

A few months after my friend passed away, he picked me up in a golf cart... on Mars. This post explores an extraordinary visitation dream I had, analyzing its strange and beautiful details through two different psychological lenses—Jung's archetypes and Freud's symbolism—to uncover a message of hope I didn't know I needed.

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Nature & Ecotherapy ashley wilson Nature & Ecotherapy ashley wilson

More Than a Walk in the Park: How Ecotherapy is Transforming Mental Health

With research in the field growing by over 1,000% in recent decades, ecotherapy is proving to be a powerful tool for mental wellness. This post explores the science behind nature-based healing, from how forest therapy reduces anxiety to how horticultural therapy can alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia. Discover the evidence-based case for making nature a part of our mental healthcare.

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

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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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.

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

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Harnessing Positive Psychology: Enhancing Self-Esteem through Gratitude, Compassion, and Forgiveness

Explore how the powerful tools of gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness can dramatically enhance self-esteem and overall mental health. Dive into the transformative effects of positive psychology and discover practical ways to cultivate a stronger, healthier sense of self.

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