Ashley

Mr Ashley White

Counseling Psychologist

It gets full-on at times. Life feels demanding, people seem harsh or confusing, the hurt feels overwhelming, and the answers seem so far away. Other times, you’re left wondering what the point of it all is, and whether there is more to life. I want to help however I can. ​Helping people to understand themselves, navigate relationships, perceive the world more clearly, and discover meaning in life brings me great joy. Even better is helping people find their own innate resources to cope and to heal. It can be challenging to start therapy. People can feel wary or skeptical, or see it as a sign that they’ve failed. I know, because I’ve been there. Trust is earned, and I expect to have to earn yours. I’ll start by treating you as a unique individual. No cookie-cutter therapy approaches. We will come up with ways that are tailor-made for your specific problems, circumstances, and personal strengths. ​It feels really good to be listened to, understood, and supported. Gaining clarity, a kinder attitude towards yourself, and a set of tools to navigate life will be worth the effort. ​Let me know when you’re ready!

About Me

Being a therapist is not just a job for me. It’s part of who I am, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. That means when we work together, you have my clinical expertise and my genuine care and investment. It makes therapy more effective, more efficient, and less painful. All too often clients say that other therapists have seemed ‘distant’ or ‘coldly clinical’. It’s simply not possible to maintain such an attitude as a therapist when you’ve experienced what it’s like to be a client. I’ve benefited greatly from my own therapy, and I truly understand how it can feel in ‘the other chair’. ​ It’s probably taken some time for you to get to this point. Perhaps you’ve tried a million things and haven’t gotten very far. Maybe everyone you’ve ever asked for advice is now shrugging their shoulders, and you’re stumped too. It’s hard to dig yourself out of a place you don’t want to be when you don’t have hope. Together, we can find hope. For some people, life problems get too burdensome to carry on their own. When this happens, you need a trustworthy, nonjudgmental, knowledgeable, and understanding person to support you. Friends and family are important, and often well-meaning. But it can be difficult for them to be objective, and to park their own needs to focus entirely on yours. Therapy offers something different.

Approach

I’m most enthusiastic about Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), as it fits with my natural inclination to value emotions and incorporates what we understand about attachment in relationships, including the relationship between therapist and client. It’s a powerful and evidence-based therapeutic approach that has been shown to work with a range of mental disorders and general mental health issues. I’m internationally certified as both an Emotion Focused Therapy Practitioner and Supervisor. ​In reality, though, I’m a true pragmatist. I see no problems with being informed by neuroscientific explanatory models of human experience and relationships, at the same time as being sensitive to existential themes in clients’ narratives about their lives. You may have heard about some mainstream approaches like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We can draw from these where appropriate, whilst mining the wisdom contained within classic literature, film, and Western and Eastern philosophy in order to help you. Approaching therapy in this way helps to ensure we don’t shut the door to something that you might benefit from. Your reasons for coming to therapy are unique, so the therapy needs to be tailored to you.
Contact Ashley

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services


I am most in my element helping people with concerns about the following: ​- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders - Perfectionism - Childhood abuse and neglect - Post-traumatic stress - Relationship and communication issues - Psychedelic/bad trip integration - Dads wanting to strengthen the bond with their kids - Veterans adjusting to life after military service - Adjustment after leaving religion - Meaning and Purpose in life

Services Offered:

  • Counseling
  • Psychotherapy
  • Supervision

Works With:

  • All ages
  • Couples
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise


Scope of Practice:

  • Anxiety
  • Grief & Loss
  • Mood Disorder
  • Identity Issues
  • PTSD
  • Relationship Counseling
  • Trauma

Professional Title:

  • Counseling Psychologist

Qualifications


La Trobe University

Registrations


Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

Psychologist

Service Area


Mosaic Psychology

In-person & Online

South Yarra

Melbourne, Victoria

Australia

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