Ashley Watson

About:

Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with special training and skill in working with clients who are struggling with substance use. She enjoys working with adults and adolescents (age 12+) with substance use concerns, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-esteem issues, life transitions, stress management, and codependency.

Education:

Ashley graduated from Sparta High School before going on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology in 2009. She graduated from Missouri State University in 2017 with her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.

Current Specialties/Interests:

Ashley spent four years counseling in a substance use/mental health treatment program before joining the Touchstone family in August 2021. She practiced their until August 2025 when she began her own practice; Release and Recover Counseling Services LLC.

She enjoys helping clients gain self-awareness to better navigate their lives. Ashley loves the privilege of being a part of each individual’s unique story and healing journey. Ashley provides counseling evaluations and risk assessments for high school students facing disciplinary actions due to substance use related incidents. She also has a passion for working with first responders to assist in stress management and trauma therapy due to their difficult occupation. Ashley completed training as a Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC) in May 2024.

Ashley has a state credential for substance use; Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (CRAADC) and is also a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).

Ashley primarily utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing approaches to therapy. However, she also believes in adapting the therapeutic techniques to meet the needs, strengths, and goals of each client; and will incorporate other modalities to best match each individual.

Sessions will involve working together to help gain insight into thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as learning healthy coping skills. She believes in matching the pace of therapy to where the individual is and what changes they feel ready to conquer.