Dr. Ashley Garrett
Owner of Garrett Counseling & Founder of Brave Play
My advanced degrees include a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University. Additionally, I hold an Education Specialist in Community Agency Counseling and a Masters degree in Agency Counseling from Jacksonville State University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (#0856), a National Certified Counselor, a Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor, and a CCE Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) #4357. I have been self-employed in private practice full time since 2009. I am a member of the American Counseling Association, the Alabama Counseling Association (ALCA), the South Carolina Counseling Association, and the Association for Play Therapy. My primary practice has included counseling children and adolescents, parents, and families in areas related to social and coping skills, relationship issues, and trauma. In addition to working with children, I offer counseling services to adults with depression, anxiety, and grief that can disrupt daily life and relationships. Within the community, I lead seminars and groups for churches, universities, businesses, public schools, and other interested groups. Most of my time currently, is spent providing supervision and training throughout the U.S. and internationally. I enjoy reading, traveling, and all things gardening! For more information on my passion and experience, please take a look around.
| INSTITUTION | GRADUATED |
|---|---|
| Walden University Minneapolis, Min Doctorate in Philosophy, CES |
05/2022 |
| Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL Education Specialist – Community and Agency Counseling |
08/2010 |
| Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL Master’s of Science – Community and Agency Counseling |
12/2004 |
| Samford University Birmingham, AL Bachelor’s of Arts – Human Development and Family Studies |
05/2003 |
| CCE Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) #4357 | August 2022 |
| SC Licensed Professional Counselor #6972 | October 2018 |
| AL Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor #0856 | September 2016 |
| Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor #S1838 | June 2015 |
| Board Certified Counselor NBCC | October 2010 |
| Converse College, Adjunct Professor – Diagnosing and Assessment (DSM 5) – Introduction to Play Therapy |
2019 – Present |
| Brave Play, Founder Spartanburg, SC Provide consulting, professional development, and supervision throughout Southeast US for mental health professionals. |
May 2017-Present |
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Garrett Counseling, Executive Director
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October 2009 – Present |
| Making A Difference, INC, Contract Counselor Anniston, AL Performed individual and family counseling / drug and parenting assessments |
July 2008 – October 2009 |
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Jacksonville State University, Clerical Assistant – EDRS
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February 2007 – October 2009 |
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Starbucks Coffee, Assistant Store Manager – SM Ready
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August 2005 – November 2007 |
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New Directions, Substance Abuse Therapist – Outpatient
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February 2005 – August 2005 |
| February 2005 – August 2005 | |
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Jacksonville State University, Graduate Assistant of EDRS
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August 2003 – December 2004 |
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Children’s Hospital, Clinical Neuropsychological Testing Administrator for HC
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2001 – 2005 |
My Philosophy of Teaching
Authentic learning and engagement is a vulnerable experience for both the student and the teacher. I view it as my role to provide a safe space for all students to develop themselves in a learning environment further that embraces diversity and inclusivity. From my teaching methods to my course assignments, each should communicate the importance of connection, relationship, and safety for all through interactive and experiential approaches.
Students who take my courses should come away with more knowledge, new skills to enhance their practice, renewed energy, and meaningful connections. In today’s fast-paced world and complex mental health systems, many counseling practitioners feel overwhelmed and experience burnout and other health problems. My approach is designed to offer students a safe space with unique opportunities to nourish their personal and professional selves as a means to model appropriate clinical care for years to come.
Syllabus
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My work as a clinical supervisor includes working with those seeking certification as a Registered Play Therapist, and those seeking supervision required by a graduate internship or practicum. My qualifications to provide clinical supervision include RPTS, LPCS, Board Certified Counselor, ongoing continuing education, and post-master’s work in supervision.
Please visit my website for more information about my practice and/or qualifications. There you will find my curriculum vita, which further details my professional training and experience.
View of Supervision
Simply stated, the purpose of clinical supervision is to help you develop the skills necessary to become a competent clinician and to also protect your clients during this learning period.
There are a multitude of theoretical orientations regarding clinical supervision. I view supervision as a developmental and competency based process —– particularly with counselors at the beginning of their careers —- in which supervisees gain increasing competence throughout the process of supervision. Goals typically include the following:
- Develop competence in standard mental health assessment and treatment techniques
- Develop ability to conceptualize cases (i.e. synthesizing all client data into a unified treatment plan)
- Develop a solid understanding of theoretical orientations and match orientation to counseling practice
- Recognize and respond appropriately to multicultural issues and ethical issues
- Develop a good sense of counselor self-awareness (e.g., identifying professional strengths and weaknesses, identifying and responding to countertransference issues).
Evaluation Process
When setting initial goals in supervision with supervisees I often refer to the Therapist Evaluation Checklist by Hall-Marley. With assistance from this form we will establish agreed upon goals for supervision. Progress is reviewed regularly throughout the supervisory meetings. I will also write brief session notes after each supervisory session, and I may provide a formal written evaluation for you when supervision is finished, as required by ABEC. If needed, a Remedial Plan will be implemented with supervisee and supervisor.
| South Carolina Counseling Association – Annual Conference “The Counselor as a Person: Holistic approach to self-care fostering resilience in self and others” |
February 2022 |
| South Carolina Counseling Association – Annual Conference “Diversity in Play Therapy: Using the Cultural-Formulation-Interview in Play Therapy” |
February 2019 |
| AMPED 3rd Annual Hokkaido, Japan- International Mental Health Conference “Mental Health in Rural Areas: Decreasing stigmas, changing family cycles, and building individual strengths through utilization of play therapy in educational and clinical mental health settings” |
January 2019 |
| Alabama Play Therapy Association – Workshop Speaker “Play Therapy Interventions for Children and Adolescents” |
July 2018 |
| ALSCA 4th Annual Critical Issues Conference Requested by Conference Chair: “Leveling Up Your Game: Interactive play therapy techniques for school and agency mental health professionals” |
May 2018 |
| International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors New Orleans, Louisiana 2018 International Conference “Play Therapy for Couples and Families: Techniques to increase attachment and communication” |
February 2018 |
| Centar Proventus, Zagreb, Croatia “Sand Tray and Play Therapy: Basics and Beyond” |
June 2017 |
| ALSCA 3rd Annual Critical Issues Conference “Interactive Play Therapy Techniques” |
May 2017 |
| Alabama Counseling Association State Annual Conference “Interactive Play Therapy for School and Agency – Round 3” “Using Sand Tray in Play Therapy” |
2016 |
| Alabama Counseling Association State Annual Conference “Interactive Play Therapy for School and Agency – Round 2” “What Would You Do? Experiencing Ethics in Real Time” |
2015 |
| Alabama Counseling Association State Annual Conference “Play Therapy Techniques for Agency and School” |
2014 |
| ALCA Chapter V Spring Workshop, “Getting Our Hands Dirty” “Play (Therapy) through the Lifespan” |
2012 |
| Alabama Counseling Association State Annual Conference “Balancing the Ethics of Social Networking and Counselor Morale” “Chi Sigma Iota” presentation — Co-Presenter |
2011 |
| ALCA State Annual Conference November 2009 “Mentoring Handbook” – co presenter with Dr. Tommy Turner |
2009 |
| Alabama Counseling Association (ALCA) | |
| Historian for ALCA Executive Committee | 2015 |
| Historian for ALCA Chapter V | 2013 |
| President for ALCA Chapter V | 2012 |
| Chapter V Awards Committee | 2011 |
| Recipient of the David Capuzzi Outstanding Scholar in CES Scholarship Award | 2018 |
| City of Jacksonville Beautification Award (for our therapy garden) | 2017 |
| Calhoun County Garden Award (for our therapy garden) | 2017 |
| Alabama Counseling Association (ALCA) Outstanding Practitioner Award | 2014 |
| Jacksonville State University Counselor Education Alumna of the Year | 2011 |
| Starbucks Coffee Company, Awarded Bravo Award District Level | 2007 |
| Starbucks Coffee Company, Awarded Knowledgeably Award District Level | 2006 |
| Practicum and Internship Site Supervisor JSU Educational Resources Department – Supervising Master’s level counseling JSU Department of Psychology – Supervising undergraduate psychology students |
2011 – Current |
| JSU Counselor Education Program Advisory Council | 2009 – Current |
| Parenting with Purpose GCC provides a parenting therapy group that teaches nurturing and effective parenting skills, while providing therapeutic space to make difficult changes. |
2009 – Current |
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Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Chi Theta Chapter member
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2010 – 2011 |
| Calhoun County Quality Assurance Team Department of Human Resources |
2010 – 2015 |
| Calhoun County Juvenile Drug Court Program GCC provides two team members (free of charge) to lead group counseling sessions and provide family support services as directed by Judge and probation office for at-risk teens. |
2013 – 2014 |
| Community Care Garden Work with local farmers market to establish “Kids Garden” and teach emotion management and basic problem solving skills to children and parents. Increases connection between child – parent. |
2013 – 2014 |
| Calhoun County Christian Women’s Job Corp Lead support and guidance groups for women seeking GED and employment skills |
2010 – 2013 |
| Jacksonville State University Psychology Department PSY Club “Future You – Future Profession” with Q & A |
2013 – 2014 |
| Jacksonville State University Psychology Department PSY 100 “Basics of Play Therapy” with Q & A |
2013 |
| ALCA Chapter V Spring Workshop, “Getting Our Hands Dirty” “Play (Therapy) through the Lifespan” |
2012 |
| Mentoring Mondays Source Center at Lagrange College, GA Q & A on Counseling and Private Practice |
2012 |
| Gadsden Cultural Arts Center Served on Board of Directors for Imagination Place |
2008 – 2011 |
| Starbucks Coffee, Oxford, AL “Radiothon” with 95.5 for Children’s Hospital, fundraised over $1,000 to benefit the hospital, coordinated over 15 volunteers, implemented “1st Annual Starbucks Art Auction”, raised over $2,500 to benefit the Arts at a local high school, coordinated over 25 volunteers |
2006 – 2007 |
| American Cancer Association MidSouth Division and Calhoun and Cherokee County Support Meetings “Personality and Survival: Increasing Communication Skills and Establishing Support” |
2011 |
| Jacksonville State University Women’s History Month “Assertiveness 101 Reflecting on the Empowering Women of History” |
2011 2011 |
| Department of Human Resources “BIG ROCKS Time Management” “Crack In The Vase: Increasing Knowledge on Four Common Disorders in DHR Clients.” |
2011 |
| Active Minds Student Organization (JSU Division) “Assertiveness Training” |
2010 – 2012 |
| Jacksonville State University Freshman LS100 Class “Why is College so Stressful?” “Personality and College Success” |
2009 – 2010 |
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