Ashley Michael Clarke, MA
Therapist
Pronouns: she/they/her/them
We are all the main characters in our own lives - embodying our passions, pleasures, and values through our relationships with ourselves, others, and the world. Yet when we experience trauma, our adaptations, while life-saving, can also become sources of pain, frustration, depression, and disconnection. Helping folks learn to open up to understanding our deepest desires, and what stands in our way of actualizing those desires, is the reason why I do this work. No matter the artform, we are all creative beings.
About Ashley
I’m a trauma-informed therapist offering an integrative approach that draws from EMDR, somatic therapy, narrative therapy, and Internal Family Systems. My work is rooted in Liberation Psychology, exploring how culture and power shape our experiences. I aim to create an inclusive, affirming space where all aspects of identity are honored as sources of strength and empowerment.
In addition to my clinical work, I have decades of experience creating and promoting queer cultural and community events, which continues to inform my understanding of connection, identity, and collective healing. My experience as a yoga instructor has given me insight into the instincts and stored memories in the animal body that are an essential part of the human experience. I help clients increase awareness of emotions, sensations, and somatic holding patterns to promote greater mind-body integration.
Working with Ashley
Establishing a sense of trust and safety is my main motivation in early therapy sessions with clients. I hold deep gratitude that my clients confide in me and I honor the courage that this vulnerability requires. I approach sessions with a sense of humor and gentleness while not shying away from provocation in the spirit of growth. A sense of playfulness is also a value I hold dear. I support clients from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds as they navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress, spirituality, and personal growth. I believe each person already holds the insight and resilience needed for healing. I simply hold space to help uncover it with compassion and respect.
Specialty
I specialize in working with clients navigating complex trauma, self-esteem challenges, relationship dynamics and conflict, gender and sexuality exploration, creative blocks, depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, life transitions, spirituality, and personal growth. With a background in the dramatic arts, I often incorporate elements of role play and creative expression into sessions, helping clients safely explore emotion, perspective, and self-awareness. I aim to meet each client with openness and curiosity, creating an affirming space that honors the full range of human experience.
Education, Training, and Certifications
M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Counseling, John Jay College (expected Sept 2025)
Advanced Certificate in Victimology Studies
B.A. in Anthropology, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
EMDR Basic Training
Mindfulness Modification Therapy Training
Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor
