Empowering Change: Your Journey to Healing and Wellness

It can be difficult being completely open and vulnerable with someone you have never even met. I hope this introduction of myself eases your mind and allows you to feel connected as you begin your healing journey through counseling. My name is Ashley Burks, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I am currently under the supervision of Kara Grant, LPC-S, CDWF, SEP; and I am a counselor on the Mindful Movements Counseling Center team.

Educational Background

My educational journey began as a commitment to understand why we do the things that we do as humans. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Sam Houston State University, which laid the foundation for my career in mental health. I continued to deepen my knowledge and skills by obtaining a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from SHSU.

Experience and Specialization

During my educational journey, I had the privilege of serving survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. I had the advantage of receiving training in the application of Polyvagal Theory, which you can read more about here. This experience has inspired me to continue working with individuals who struggle with the effects of traumatic events and serve as a guide through healing these deep emotional wounds.

Areas of Expertise

While my specialization is in the treatment of trauma, I also work with a variety of other challenges
including, anxiety and mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and
attachment work.

Therapeutic Approach

My approach to counseling is to walk alongside you and facilitate awareness of how the
experience of trauma disrupts the connections between the body and mind, leaving the nervous
system confused and dysregulated. This disconnection often causes problems in many areas of
life such as - difficulty forming relationships, experiencing anxiety, depression, bouts of anger,
restlessness, and overall, a sense of helplessness and distrust of the world.

Empowering Transformation

My goal as your therapist is to empower youto reclaim autonomy of your life and body. Additionally, we can help you navigate the feeling of both internal and external safety, ultimately making the world a more secure place to experience.

Taking the First Step

The decision to begin the therapeutic process is rarely ever an easy one. As a counselor, I can say
I have been on that side. I have been a client, and I know just how difficult it is to make the choice to
ask for help. However, I want to assure you that while this decision is filled with uncertainty,
there is so much to be gained. I would be honored to walk alongside you in your journey and
discover what healing looks like for you.