Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Carson
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey toward becoming a therapist began with an insatiable curiosity about human behavior. Even as a child, I was deeply fascinated by how people interacted with the world around them. The direction for this passion became clear when I experienced therapy myself at the age of 12. For the first time, I felt truly seen and understood, a profound experience that shaped my future. That sense of being heard motivated me to pursue a career in which I could offer others the same gift.
Today, I own my private practice Westlake Trauma Therapy, and I specialize in treating eating disorders, trauma, complex trauma, OCD, and co-occurring disorders. My work is deeply rooted in helping individuals heal, and I am honored to accompany them on their path to recovery. Every day, I find immense gratitude and joy in supporting people as they work toward their highest potential.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path to where I am today wasn’t always smooth. Like many in my field, I’ve faced imposter syndrome—those moments of doubt about whether I was truly equipped or good enough to do this work. Opening and running my own business for the first time brought a whole new set of challenges, there were obstacles that would present that I was not prepared to face. I felt like I was failing and every wrong turn felt like a point to turn back and do what I knew was safe. However, I approached each downfall as it came and I kept going. I am so glad that I did because the rewards have been unmatched. Like anything new, It required taking significant risks, building a reliable and trust-worthy team, and inevitably, experiencing both failures and successes along the way, growing stronger through each challenge. Through it all, my passion and joy for doing therapy never wavered and only increased.
As you know, we’re big fans of Westlake Trauma Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I offer effective outpatient individualized care treating individuals, couples, and families experiencing mental health challenges. I specialize in treating Eating Disorders, Trauma, C-PTSD, Mood Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Transitions, Relational Issues and Co-Cocurring Diagnoses. The care I provide is unique to the individual and done in a collaborative and supportive environment, at a pace that is protective of client’s well-being. The goal is to provide a safe and authentic space to help explore areas of your life that are unsatisfying while providing containment and management of mental health difficulties.
I want to help foster the ability to ground into the present, increase self-nurturance, resilience and agency. My work is done through a combination of therapeutic modalities such as EMDR, CBT, ACT all interventions used are evidence-based practices and build on a foundation of values, mindfulness, compassion, and unconditional positive regard. My passion is witnessing people heal from wounds that cause distress in one’s life.
I will stand with and by clients in finding freedom and comfort through the ebbs and flows life tends to throw our way. I encourage authentic expression, empowerment, and agency over your life. When working together, we can explore what your needs and desires are in a compassionate, authentic, and non-judgmental safe space.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Despite my focus on clinical work, I’m passionate about horses and their own natural healing power. When I am with them it is a way to recharge offering a work-life balance. My first job was in high school and I was hired at the Bureau of Land Management where I would ride wild mustangs through the reservations exploring wildlife activity. I also started volunteering at a young age starting at an organization called Whitewater Therapeutic Riding assisting people with disabilities to ride horses.
Pricing:
- 225/60 minute session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.westlaketraumatherapy.com
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ashley-m-carson-thousand-oaks-ca/1122664
