Explore Dr. Ashley’s scholarly reflections on a range of topics within transpersonal psychology, applied psychophysiology, and neurofeedback.

Here she delves into the latest research and shares personal insights that illuminate the complexities of the human mind.

Join in unraveling the nuances of psychological studies and their real-world applications.

ashley wilson ashley wilson

Are Your Dreams Ordinary or Extraordinary? A Psychological Guide

Ever wonder why you forget most dreams, but some stick with you forever? This post explores the psychological difference between the "ordinary" dreams our brain uses to file away daily memories and the "extraordinary" big dreams that can carry profound messages from our unconscious mind.

Read More
ashley wilson ashley wilson

Why We Need Positive Psychology

i'll never forget the "aha!" moment I had when I first studied Positive Psychology and realized how much of my education had focused on suffering, not flourishing. This post is a reflection on that discovery and why we desperately need to study "the other side of the coin" to truly understand human well-being.

Read More
ashley wilson 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.

Read More
ashley wilson 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.

Read More
ashley wilson 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.

Read More
ashley wilson ashley wilson

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
ashley wilson 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.

Read More
ashley wilson ashley wilson

An American in London: A Wake-Up Call About Our Addiction to Oil

I was walking through central London when I ran into massive protests against fossil fuels. It was a wake-up call that left me with one big question: Why is there a loud public debate about oil in the UK, but not in a city like Los Angeles? A reflection on America's silence about its addiction to oil.

Read More
ashley wilson ashley wilson

Three Cultures, Three Views on Death: How I Found My Own Beliefs

How do different cultures view death? This post explores three profound perspectives—from Christianity, the Yoruba tradition, and traditional China—and shares a personal journey of moving from one belief system to a more expansive, inclusive spiritual understanding.

Read More
ashley wilson ashley wilson

Positive vs. Transpersonal Psychology: What's the Difference?

What's the real difference between Positive Psychology and Transpersonal Psychology? This post breaks it down by comparing how each field views two key concepts: gratitude and mindfulness. A clear guide to two important and distinct approaches to human well-being.

Read More
ashley wilson ashley wilson

Unpacking the Two Types of Happiness

Is the happiness from eating a great meal the same as the happiness from learning a new skill? I always felt a difference, but was surprised by what the research says. This is a personal reflection on the two types of happiness—pleasure and purpose—and why we ultimately need both to thrive.

Read More
ashley wilson ashley wilson

Why You Can't Be Happy Without Sadness

Can you be happy without ever feeling sad? This post explores the happiness paradox, arguing that negative emotions are not the enemy of joy, but a necessary ingredient. Discover why we need contrast, resilience, and acceptance of all our feelings to live a truly fulfilling life.

Read More
ashley wilson ashley wilson

Are We Truly Selfless, or Is There Always a Selfish Motive?

When you do something good for someone else, what's your true motive? This post explores the fascinating and murky waters of altruism, asking whether any good deed can be truly selfless, or if there's always a hidden, egoistic benefit for ourselves.

Read More
ashley wilson ashley wilson

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
psychology, wellness, emotional health ashley wilson psychology, wellness, emotional health ashley wilson

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