• 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

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.

Read More

Disease vs. Illness: How Culture Teaches Us to Be Sick

Why does the DSM change over time? Why was homosexuality once a diagnosis and now it isn't? This post dives into the social construction of mental illness, arguing that viewing diagnosis as a fluid cultural product—rather than a fixed biological fact—can actually help clients heal.

Read More
Dreams & Consciousness ashley wilson Dreams & Consciousness ashley wilson

Not All Nightmares Are the Same: The Critical Difference Between Ordinary & PTSD Nightmares

Not all nightmares are the same, and treating them alike can be harmful. This post explores the critical difference between ordinary, symbolic nightmares and the literal, traumatic reruns experienced in PTSD. Learn why traditional dream analysis can be re-traumatizing and discover the specialized therapies, like Imagery Rehearsal Therapy, designed to help heal.

Read More