Ashley Hammerich, Master’s Degree Candidate, Intern
1. One of my favorite childhood memories is . . .
Helping my mom with our dog as she delivered her puppies… puppies are magical! I also loved fishing with my dad.
2. I love being a mental health counselor because . . .
People have amazing life experiences and stories to share! Working with people in their vulnerability is an honor. Connection with others is a life force, and counseling is a unique path to connecting with others.
3. A life lesson I’ve learned from my clients is . . .
Healing happens in unique ways; the journey is different for everyone.
4. Four words that describe my counseling style are . . .
Connected. Empathetic. Curious. Open
5. When I’m not in counseling sessions, you’ll find me . . .
In my head, on my yoga mat, breathing, learning, and loving my people.
6. Three people who inspire me are . . .
My father (his story is amazing..), my husband, and my littles.
7. A quote that I live by is . . .
“You are the hardest one to convince, yet the one who knew it all along.” -Ellias Lonsdale
8. One thing guaranteed to push me out of my comfort zone is . . .
A silent retreat
9. My best self-care technique is . . .
Yoga, pranayama breath work, quieting my thoughts, and centering into my higher self.
10. This is how I found counseling and how counseling found me . . .
Personal growth has been a calling all my life. At one point, the backpack I stuffed with my personal pain ripped open at the seams. Counseling found me just when I needed support. Through emotional and somatic experiencing, understanding, and acceptance, I found healing and the way back to loving myself. Working through my pain and experiences led me to counseling and, in turn, led me to help others find their journey through counseling.
11. One thing I could not live without is . . .
Connection and growth. My tribe.
12. If I were to tell a friend about mental health counseling, I would say . . .
Life gets life-y and super hard sometimes. Often what causes us distress or suffering reveals what we care about most, yet we may not know what or how to change it. Instinctually, when we feel untethered or lost, we look outside ourselves for grounding. The grounding we are searching for is connection, which is within us. Counseling is a safe space where you are held and supported to explore this connection. Feeling and experiencing with someone else can be the path back to yourself.
13. The approaches I draw from in my counseling practice are . . .
Person-centered, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based practices.
14. Clients that challenge me the most have this in common . . .
leaning out rather than leaning in.