Ashley S. Pickard, MS, LMFT
Somatic Therapy for Trauma, Anxiety & Nervous System Regulation
why therapy with me?
Throughout my years of working with different populations, I have discovered a passion for working with those who want to do deep inner work, unearthing material that is sometimes painful or messy. I specialize in supporting individuals who are looking to go deeper and who have been to traditional therapy before but have struggled to truly heal. For those who feel like they have already talked it all out, yet still suffer, I offer a different approach.
Many of the individuals I have had the privilege to walk alongside on their healing journey have faced depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, life transitions, and parenting challenges. My intention is to provide a safe and supportive space to explore, process, and heal from difficult experiences.
Beyond my work as a therapist, I am passionate about educating our community about nervous system regulation. As a Certified TRE® Provider and teacher, I offer workshops and trainings that help therapists, healthcare professionals, first responders, law enforcement, educators, and community members better understand the nervous system and learn practical tools to regulate stress and trauma. I believe these skills have the power to change lives, and I am committed to making them accessible to as many people as possible.
I have deep respect for anyone who decides to even begin researching therapy, especially those who choose to take that first step. Life is incredibly beautiful, but at times it can also be deeply painful. I know this through my own healing journey. I view my role as a therapist as one of sacredness and privilege. Hearing our intuition and trusting it are two different things. My hope for every client is to help them reconnect with their inner voice, listen to what it is telling them, and eventually trust it.
Seeking professional support can feel overwhelming. If something in these words resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. We can see if we are a good fit, and you can make an intuitive decision based on what feels right for you.
My Approach
My approach to therapy is one of authenticity, compassion, and heart-centered connection. I believe that each person who arrives here has done so after much soul searching. I believe your mind and body already hold the wisdom needed for healing. My role is to create a safe and supportive space where you can gently move through the emotions, experiences, and traumas that have been too painful to face alone. Together, we will work toward healing the parts of yourself that have carried the weight of those experiences for far too long.
My work is grounded in somatic therapy because healing trauma involves much more than simply talking about what happened. Trauma affects both the mind and the body, often leaving the nervous system stuck in patterns of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. This can lead to anxiety, overwhelm, emotional reactivity, or a feeling of being disconnected from yourself. I will teach you how to understand and regulate your nervous system so your body can begin to feel safe again. You will learn practical mind-body skills to reduce stress, calm anxiety, increase emotional resilience, and feel more in control of your emotions.
I integrate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), one of the most effective, research-supported treatments for trauma. EMDR helps the brain and nervous system process painful memories that have become "stuck," allowing them to become part of your past instead of continuing to shape your present. When appropriate, I also incorporate Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE®), a body-based approach that helps the body release deeply held stress and tension while supporting nervous system regulation. TRE can help the nervous system move out of chronic fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. Combined with EMDR and other somatic interventions, these approaches promote lasting healing on both an emotional and physical level.
One of my greatest goals as a therapist is to help you become your own source of regulation. Therapy is not just about healing in the session. It is about learning practical tools you can use outside the therapy room. My hope is that you leave therapy with the confidence and skills to regulate your nervous system, navigate life's challenges with resilience, and continue your healing long after our work together has ended. Throughout our work together, I will help you reconnect with your body's wisdom, trust your intuition, and deepen your understanding of yourself. It would be my honor to walk alongside you as you discover a life that feels more peaceful, authentic, and fulfilling.
Is therapy right for me?
It can be hard to know if seeking professional help is the right decision for you. To answer this question, I ask you to consider the following questions:
Do I feel like my body is always in survival mode?
Do I often feel stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses?
Do I struggle to calm my mind or body, even when I know I'm safe?
Do I experience chronic muscle tension, headaches, digestive issues, or stress-related pain?
Am I emotionally reactive or easily overwhelmed?
Do I have trouble sleeping or truly feeling rested?
Have I talked about my past in therapy but still feel like something hasn't shifted?
If you find yourself answering yes to any of these questions, you may be in a place in which you are ready for some compassionate help in addressing these things. Please click here for a free phone consultation.