Ashleigh Dodds

Approach:

I bring a relaxed and authentic presence to the therapy room, and approach my work with clients with genuine curiosity, creativity, and compassion. I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental environment where each person’s individuality is not only welcomed, but highlighted and harnessed as part of the therapeutic process. I have a deep respect for the courage it takes to engage in therapy and consider it a genuine privilege to sit alongside a person in moments of vulnerability. 

I believe therapy can hold both depth and lightness, creating space not only for difficult conversations and vulnerability, but also for humour, connection, and the relief that comes from feeling safe to be fully yourself. I recognise that you are the expert on your own lived experience, and so I believe in working collaboratively, at your own pace and guided by your own goals.

I draw from a range of evidenced based modalities. I utilise Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy and am passionate about trauma-informed care. While symptom relief is important, I value work that goes beyond surface-level coping strategies to explore the deeper meaning and function beneath our patterns, emotions, and ways of relating. I believe that meaningful and lasting change comes through developing insight, self-understanding, and compassion for how we have learned to cope and adapt through life’s challenges. 

I also particularly enjoy working with children and young people, and feel passionate about creating a positive first experience of therapy and mental health support. I believe in incorporating therapeutic concepts in creative, engaging and fun ways to empower young people and inspire growth.

Clients I see:

Children (age 6 years +), adolescents, adults, older adults

Specific Areas of Work:

• Anxiety (generalised worry, social anxiety, specific phobias, panic disorder, performance anxiety)

• Trauma and periods of acute distress

• Relationship and attachment difficulties

• Stress management (school, workplace)

• Mood disorders

• Emotion dysregulation

• Anger

• Grief and loss

• Adjustment difficulties

• Self-esteem, confidence and identity development

• Self harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviours

• Parenting support

• Sleep difficulties

• Body image concerns

• Workplace stress and burnout 

Approaches I use:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

Schema Therapy

Narrative Therapy

Mindfulness

Motivational Interviewing

Psycho-education

Strengths based work

Skills training