Helen Keller once said, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.” Although the ways in which we suffer may vary, part of the human experience is experiencing great pain. It can be hard to decide to face that pain in therapy. I appreciate the bravery of all who have stepped into my office and given me the honor of sitting with them in their healing.

I have worked in the mental health field for 11 years, with nine years as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I recognize that viewing a person in the context of their relationships (family, friends, coworkers) can not only bring about individual changes but impact these systems as a whole. I am a Registered Play Therapist and have training in Sand Tray Therapy. I use these approaches to help children work through painful experiences using their primary language: Play! I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) using this for both children and adults to process past traumatic experiences and decrease the responses to the reminders of these negative experiences. I am an EMDRIA approved consultant for those wishing to work towards EMDR certification. I also work as a Supervisor with Family Strategies providing group and individual consultation for therapists working with children and families.

Outside of the office I enjoy anything outdoors with my husband and our two Huskies. We like to spend our time with our families, including our nine nieces and nephews. I enjoy reading, art, travel, and scuba diving.

Contact Abbie at (480) 668-8301 ext. 1015 or aashton@familystrategies.org.

“Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes a matter of opportunity.” – Hippocrates