Hi, I’m Ashley.
I’m Dr. Ashley Wilson (she/her), PsyD, CEDS-C, the owner and sole therapist of Bad Ash Therapy, PLLC, located here in the mountains of Boone, NC.
Get to know ashley
about me.
I’m a joyful, fun, and quirky therapist who brings a relaxed, creative, and empathetic energy to our sessions. At my core, I believe in the healing power of relationships and community, and I strive to build genuine, authentic connections with my clients. My clients often describe me as warm and caring, with a kind smile and a genuine commitment to their well-being. When you talk to me, you’ll feel like you’re talking to a real person, not an emotionless robot or uptight professional. I’m the kind of therapist who will remember exactly why we dislike your dusty ex from three years ago, the name of your bestie, and ask to say hi to your dog in the background of our virtual sessions. Together, we’ll laugh, cry, and most importantly, do the meaningful work needed for your growth.
Outside of therapy, I love hiking our gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, mushroom hunting, NYT Connections, my daughter’s belly laugh, gabbing with the besties, sneaking a whiff of my dog’s paws, and making entirely subpar pottery. Really, I love anything that helps me connect with my own sense of joy and creativity.
The Heart of My Work.
My journey as a therapist is deeply influenced by my personal experience of the complexities of healing from an eating disorder. This ongoing journey has taught me that “recovery” is a continuous process, not so much a final destination. While not all of my clients come to therapy primarily for an eating disorder, my own experiences directly inform my compassionate, supportive, and individualized approach to all of my therapy work. I aim to empower my clients to define what recovery and healing mean to them, respecting each person’s journey and choices.
My Approach.
I practice from a Gestalt Therapy perspective, integrating interpersonal process and experiential exercises, along with cognitive-behavioral and emotion-focused techniques. Being trauma-informed and multiculturally-informed is the cornerstone of my approach, ensuring that therapy is tailored to your unique needs and experiences. I put my heart into providing a safe and affirming space for all clients, especially those from marginalized communities.
My Expertise.
I have elite expertise in treating eating disorders and a comprehensive background in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns typical of young and middle-aged adults, including trauma, self-esteem issues, relationship struggles, identity-related stress (LGBTQ+, BBIPoC, body size), anxiety, and stress management.
Who I Work With.
I focus on working with young and middle-aged adults aged 18-50 who are ready to engage in meaningful therapeutic work. I welcome clients of all genders and backgrounds, including those with privileged and marginalized identities. I strive to be a safe, inclusive, and affirming therapist for those who have felt marginalized by the mental health industry, especially for queer clients and folx of color.
My Credentials.
I have earned the prestigious CEDS-C (Certified Eating Disorders Specialist Consultant) certification, recognized as one of the highest distinctions in the field of eating disorder treatment. This certification reflects my comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills in providing effective and compassionate care for individuals with eating disorders.
With over 12 years of experience working with eating disorders at both partial hospitalization and outpatient levels of care, I bring advanced training and expertise to my practice. My extensive clinical background includes treating a diverse range of clients with varying severities of eating disorders, enabling me to tailor my approach to meet each individual's unique needs. My academic background includes a doctorate (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology from the University of Indianapolis, where I received rigorous training in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
I have been a dedicated trainer and educator for over a decade, sharing my knowledge and expertise with other professionals in the field. My training sessions cover critical aspects of eating disorder treatment, including assessment, treatment approaches, referring clients to higher levels of care, and addressing sizeism and weight bias in treatment. What sets my teaching apart is my emphasis on harm reduction, ensuring that clinicians feel equipped to provide respectful, compassionate care that honors each client’s autonomy and choice throughout their unique recovery journey.
Additionally, I have extensive experience presenting at conferences and leading workshops on eating disorder assessment and treatment. My presentations often focus on enhancing provider skills, understanding the complexities of eating disorders, and fostering a multidisciplinary approach to care. I have trained numerous professionals on creating culturally sensitive, safe, and affirming environments for eating disorder care, addressing the unique needs of queer clients, clients in marginalized or larger bodies, and clients of color.
Let's Work Together.
If you’re ready to start your journey towards a more fulfilling life, I’m here to help. Whether you’re seeking therapy, supervision, or professional training, I invite you to reach out and see how we can work together.
