more about the therapist
Starting Journey Through came from a deeply rooted passion of mine for supporting Central and Northern Minnesota communities. I grew up in these areas, I made friends in these areas, I met my husband in these areas - we call this home. Most of these communities are made up of members who are spread out across wide distances, and they aren't strangers to having to drive 30+ minutes to get groceries or go to a doctor's appointment. I realized very quickly the importance of having services close to home so that people can get the help they need without sacrificing work time, drive time, or family time.
When I'm not in the office, you can usually find me out exploring - from hiking trails and camping trips, to visiting with friends at local coffee shops - I just really enjoy all that Central and Northern Minnesota has to offer.
Ashley Smith, MA, LPCC
therapist + owner
bbht approved supervisor
I have been in the mental health field for the last 10+ years.
I have worked in a variety of settings:
-inpatient hospitalization
-outpatient services
-school-based therapy
-private practice / clinic services
My school background:
Undergraduate at College of St. Benedict's
Master's at St. Mary's University
Specialty Trainings:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Brainspotting Level 1
Internal Family Systems, introduction
My license:
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
BBHT approved supervisor
my background
I will support you through a supportive, genuine, and purpose-driven framework. I know change is hard, and I believe that if we can shift our own internal beliefs and narratives that may no longer serve us, and to understand more of the why underneath, it can become easier. I am trained in a variety of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I often will use somatic and mindfulness based interventions, like Brainspotting and Internal Family Systems, as I believe in a whole body approach. Your mind and your body work together, and to see sustainable change, we have to look at both aspects.
I work primarily with teens (12+) and adults who are seeking support with life changes, personal growth, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I specifically enjoy working with fellow helpers - such as doctors, nurses, educators, first responders, and therapists - as I know how both rewarding and challenging those professions can be, and helpers need help too.
my approach
& who I serve
-Lisa Oliver
"As a Therapist, I won't: try to fix you; give you advice; tell you what to do; pretend to know more than you do; assume what is best for you; have all the answers; or make the hard stuff go away.
As a Therapist, I will: remind you that you're not broken; give you room to access your own wisdom; support you in figuring out what to do; recognize that you are the expert of your life; remember that only you know what's best for you; honor that I don't know it all; and collaborate with you on how to make the hard stuff easier to sit with."
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as healthcare and/or mental health advice for any personal or individual case, event, or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a healthcare and/or mental health professional-patient relationship. Information on this website is kept up-to-date and accurate to the very best of owner's abilities; however mistakes do happen, and the owner cannot make guarantees regarding the accuracy of the information. The owner is not liable for any information on this website or your reliance upon it.