Ashley Sweigart

I am an Art Psychotherapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I view my work with teens and adults as a collaborative relationship aimed at inspiring and empowering clients to create meaningful and lasting changes in their lives. I have experience helping clients navigate many of life’s challenges including, but not limited to: trauma- and stressor- related disorders, anxiety disorders, depression and mood disorders, life transitions, grief, self-esteem, shame and guilt, interpersonal relationships, women’s issues, and chronic pain. I consider myself to be an advocate for and ally to those seeking well-being, balance, greater ease, and emotional freedom.

WELL-BEING

There is no disconnect between body and mind—for either to function optimally, both must be cared for. Therefore in therapy, I do not solely attend to matters of the mind. I work with clients in a holistic way, offering encouragement to activate the foundations of health—proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and vigorous exercise—to benefit overall well-being.

BALANCE

We live in a society that places great value on doing and achieving ever more. Constant work, overstimulation, incessant social media demands, et cetera can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. I challenge clients to make difficult choices about priorities in an effort to cultivate a more balanced life.

EASE

Life can be difficult. Through fostering self-awareness, enhancing cognitive flexibility and creative problem-solving skills, and promoting healthy relaxation strategies, I aim to help clients navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and inner peace.

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM

Left unchecked, human emotions sometimes yield unhelpful and unhealthy patterns in thought and behavior. Through exploration and self-work, clients can regain a sense of agency and emotional freedom—the ability to respond to situations thoughtfully rather than repeatedly falling victim to automatic emotional reactions.

HOW I HELP

I am eclectic in my approach to therapy, as one approach does not fit all, and I employ methods from several therapeutic modalities. In broad terms, my therapeutic stance is holistic and person centered. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a powerful agent of change and, therefore, I value building trust and a strong rapport with my clients. Additionally, as an art therapist, I believe engagement in art making is life-enhancing and that bringing the creative process into therapy facilitates healing and growth.

MORE ABOUT ART THERAPY

Art therapy allows clients an opportunity for exploration and making meaning of complex human experiences. You do not have to be an artist or “good at art” to benefit from art therapy. In fact, art therapy is much more about the process of creating than it is about the final product.

Making art can facilitate healing and growth by engaging different areas of the brain, providing different perspectives, and increasing problem-solving skills. Art also offers a nonverbal method of emotional expression for when “talking about it” is too hard. Additionally, art making can be an effective way to improve mood, build self-esteem, and enhance self-awareness. For more information about art therapy, please visit the American Art Therapy Association website.

MORE ABOUT ME

I believe that nature is inherently healing and enjoy spending time out of doors with friends and family doing many activities, including: running, backpacking, gardening, and treasure hunting. When I am not outside, I spend my time creating, reading, and journaling. I strive to live at ease and with kindness.