Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Thornton, CO covered by Cigna

My background is in dual diagnosis and focus on trauma, I love working with those who desire to heal from their past, challenging negative thinking patterns and behaviors. I work from an IFS and EMDR background, and regularly incoportate T-CBT.

My name is Ashley Abbott, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a diverse background working with children and families who have experienced abuse/neglect, within systems such as the foster care system, the juvenile justice system, inpatient, psychiatric residential treatment facilities, and outpatient settings I have provided direct support services in group homes, court advocacy, and a variety of therapy services such as group, family and individual. These experiences have equipped me with valuable skills in crisis management, de-escalation, family conflict resolution, and supporting individuals facing complex and challenging circumstances. With training in evidenced-based modalities, I can treat anxiety, depressive disorders, life transitions, relationship problems, suicidal ideation, and behavioral challenges. I am also trained to treat trauma and PTSD with EMDR. I am passionate about partnering with clients who are committed to personal growth and willing to actively engage in the therapeutic process. I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults and adults.

I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner who works from the belief that people are not broken—and that many of the struggles we call “mental illness” make sense when we look at trauma, context, and lived experience. I’m especially attuned to the ways mental health systems, stigma, and labels can unintentionally cause harm, and I aim to practice in a way that feels respectful, collaborative, and deeply human.

My approach is unconventional and trauma-informed, influenced by perspectives like those of Gabor Maté, which emphasize compassion, curiosity, and understanding symptoms as meaningful responses rather than defects. I do not believe in rushing to pathologize the human experience. As Joni Mitchell once reflected about depression, sometimes what we’re feeling is not an illness to be fixed, but a signal—an honest response to pain, loss, or a world that has not been kind.

We want to show the world that we have everything put together. Many times, we are struggling to stay afloat. Our quality of life is affected, and we find struggle in our relationships. Communication within ourselves and with others is compounded. Finding a non-judgmental and unbiased environment to process individually and/or together with partners and families can help to note the specific problem(s). By better understanding the problem, we are more successful in finding solutions. If we are informed, we are better in our decision-making. Therapy is a unique process, just like your life is unique.

If we have not contacted a professional for help, we are still doing some level of work. The work in the search for the next step. It is when we are lost in asking ourselves “How can I do better? How can I do better for myself and others?”. That’s when the next step of reaching out for help is needed. I am a therapist. I am human. I understand.

I am a clinical forensic psychologist with over 35 years of experience working the matters that relate to psychology and the law. This includes assessments, reports, and testimony in court as well as family therapy for family reunification and other matters. I have a doctorate in counseling and educational psychology and a year of post-doctoral training in family therapy. I have written a book about healing from childhood trauma. I have been licensed in 5 states, most recently in Colorado.

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve tried therapy before and felt like it didn’t quite click. My approach is active, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing happens when we learn new ways of thinking, behaving, and relating to our emotions—not just talking about them.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a trauma-informed lens, specializing in addiction, women’s issues, adolescents, anxiety, and depression. I also have experience supporting parents and individuals impacted by a loved one’s substance use, including navigating boundaries, codependency, burnout, and complicated emotions such as guilt, fear, and grief.

I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel accepted, understood, and gently challenged to grow. Many clients tell me they appreciate that our work goes beyond listening alone—we focus on learning practical skills and applying them to real-life situations.

I also have a background in Christianity and am comfortable integrating faith and spirituality into therapy when desired by the client. I respect each person’s beliefs and values and approach spiritual topics with openness, curiosity, and sensitivity.

I offer virtual or in-person therapy sessions in Castle Rock, Colorado. I know what it's like to struggle with depression, addiction, and narcissistic abuse. I became a therapist and an energy healer after going through my own "dark night of the soul." Many clients tell me that they relate to me because I have been though similar experiences and know what it's like to push through depression, and overcome addiction and trauma. My goal isn't to help you merely mask symptoms, but to help you navigate through them while healing the underlying roots, staying grounded, and discovering your most authentic self and a life of fulfillment and thriving.

I am a Native New Yorker, living in Colorado since the Mets won the World Series. I use my training in conjunction with my life experience in the therapy room, but it's always your therapy room.