https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog daily 0.75 2025-05-09 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/mashed-potatoes-with-mushrooms-and-brussels-sprout-xm97z monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588647101271-2Z1BJ6CARR5YPF46IMMW/image-asset.jpeg Blog posts - Mashed potatoes with mushrooms and brussels sprouts https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/beetsalad-fgzky monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588646511943-7ND7VMAMYX4VNKBWFKT8/image-asset.jpeg Blog posts - Winter beet salad https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/goldenmilk-7wkdn monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588644326233-XHNWNULHT6162VSVNMM6/image-asset.jpeg Blog posts - Golden milk https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/carrottahini-emdde monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588643295299-E37QMPWT8SI0CS3S0W0R/image-asset.jpeg Blog posts - Roasted carrots with walnuts and tahini https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/watermelonsalad-a39e3 monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588642230099-V8VX84X0I1MY9Z5QUAUY/image-asset.jpeg Blog posts - Watermelon and feta salad https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/face-mask-d3ry6-jn8he monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588641774965-6SR6G7N69MVRCYYTY6D9/Stocksy_comp_2263541.jpg Blog posts - Spinach and persimmon salad https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/face-mask-9wd2y monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588193268657-ZR40QF5GTKGIINHMBIGG/image-asset.jpeg Blog posts - Energizing face mask https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/ginger-soda-k6hb7-w85w4-4d6yk monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588112672204-5R5EUMXRE0JNC5340XUI/Stocksy_comp_1276830.jpg Blog posts - Salmon power bowl https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/ginger-soda-k6hb7-jmgl6 monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588110240245-9M0K0FBTMOBTTRR8ZSPN/Stocksy_comp_2610683.jpg Blog posts - Fruit and yogurt bowl https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/pea-amp-goat-cheese-crostini-7nj96 monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588107039010-XOV7KLGV11SD788ED0MJ/Stocksy_comp_1615401.jpg Blog posts - Pea and goat cheese crostini https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588107306104-9A7C74TZ8VV2KO71MBBU/Stocksy_comp_1615401.jpg Blog posts - Pea and goat cheese crostini https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588107066845-1W1OJIA4APRMC3QSFNZ0/Stocksy_comp_2054574.jpg Blog posts - Pea and goat cheese crostini https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/5fc13kx3gk3xyhnyx4gajo22ky42m0-jmagd monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588105503045-KGKEQNFRUH50V5B76555/Stocksy_comp_1953842.jpg Blog posts - Avocado toast https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/ginger-soda-pd7t8 monthly 0.5 2020-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9e44e143969e061c2ed8fa/1588106309579-O1Z1WILO0N4M30RWB9Q8/Ginger+Soda Blog posts - Ginger soda https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/category/Recipe monthly 0.5 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/category/Wellness monthly 0.5 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/tag/Beauty monthly 0.5 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/tag/Breakfast monthly 0.5 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/tag/Autumn monthly 0.5 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/tag/Winter monthly 0.5 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/tag/Dinner monthly 0.5 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/tag/Summer monthly 0.5 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/tag/Skin monthly 0.5 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/tag/Snack monthly 0.5 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/tag/Drink monthly 0.5 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/blog/tag/Spring monthly 0.5 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/meetashley daily 0.75 2026-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/b4670ef5-c50d-4f93-84be-c063405ae4a8/DSC_0593-scaled-square.jpeg Meet Ashley I have worked with children since 2007. I always like to say God gave me children early in my adult life because I was meant to help children in their own life struggles. I fully believe that God has plans for us even if we do not fully understand them! I have worked as an elementary school teacher in grades Kinder, 4th and 5th. I also spent some time as a school counselor. It was then that I felt called to move into a more clinical role of counseling and pursue play therapy. I have worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist ™ and Clinical Certified Sandtray Therapist for 8 years. I work with children ages 2.5-12, adolescents 13-17, young adults 18-24 and families. I believe that we are all on a journey in life, and at times when the path becomes difficult, therapy can help. Children and adolescents are often placed in situations and have experiences that are out of their control. As a Registered Play Therapist ™, I utilize child-centered play therapy, and I believe that when a child is given the space and freedom to work through their struggles, they learn to cope and become more self-regulated in their world. I want parents and children to know that I will meet them right where they are, and also journey with them through the struggles. As a Clinical Certified Sandtray Therapist, (CCST-T) I work with children and adolescents in sandtray therapy. It is a unique experience when working in the sand that truly activates the deep recesses of the subconscious. In sandtray work, you will be able to create and process in the sand, things that may be difficult to put into words. I am a member of the Texas Association for Play Therapy. I am also a member of the Texas Sandtray Association as a Clinical Certified Sandtray Therapist Trainer. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities-English Literature from the University of Houston-Victoria and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Lamar University. I married the love of my life, Roland, in 2008. We have incredible children and we enjoy spending quality family time together supporting all their many sports and academic activities. When we can relax, we enjoy traveling to unique destinations to have memorable experiences. https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/fees daily 0.75 2026-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/1644634435366-H1FPL6HPFTPXYU192VBY/unsplash-image-95t94hZTESw.jpg Fees https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/contact-me daily 0.75 2025-10-09 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/home daily 1.0 2022-02-16 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/clientportal daily 0.75 2022-02-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/1644553114611-EQOSEZEJ4XEBGPIW6UHA/unsplash-image-buymYm3RQ3U.jpg Client Portal - Small Steps are still steps… I am here to hold a safe space for you and your family as you begin your journey. Schedule a session through the client portal. https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/faqs daily 0.75 2022-07-04 https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/about daily 0.75 2022-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/1644900250373-FHGTN575CQ0EQHUDPR1Z/unsplash-image-xRr9Lz3xfYs.jpg About Small Steps Therapy is a place where you and your children’s healing journey can begin. My goal is to provide a safe space for children, tweens, teens, young adults, and parents to heal from life’s struggles. https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/resources daily 0.75 2022-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/1644985945428-OOF5BGLGTTY1PA305XES/unsplash-image-XX2WTbLr3r8.jpg Resources https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/family-therapy-and-parent-support daily 0.75 2022-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/2a1a5fe8-53b3-45de-8cc8-2e16f53623eb/Family-Silhouette_2.jpg Family Therapy and Parent Support - Family Therapy The goal is to help the family become stronger and healthier as a group. The focus is not on any one particular family member. Family therapy is useful for families who desire to work on communication issues and how to be a happier family. This may occur when a child, adolescent, or teen is being seen and family sessions become an important part of the counseling process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/1644898502642-OIYOBDHDKM4MB2OX81WG/unsplash-image-giijfNulwxk.jpg Family Therapy and Parent Support - Parent/Caregiver Support The initial parent/caregiver consultation for ages 2 1/2 to 13 is held without your child, tween or teen. Parents/caregivers can share presenting concerns and background information about your child/adolescent. I will explain the therapy/counseling process review procedures and forms filled out online. Follow-up parent/caregiver consultations for ages 2 1/2-12 are held without your child and will continue every 4th session. Follow-up parent consultations for ages 13-17 can be held with or without your teen depending on treatment goals. These consultations will allow me to address your concerns, allow you to have a better understanding of your child, tween, or teen, and allow me to share information about them without breaching confidentiality, and allow us to communicate progress. It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to collaborate with parents/caregivers in your efforts to support your child. For more information on parent's role in play therapy, please visit The Association for Play Therapy website under Resources. https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/childrenandadolescents daily 0.75 2022-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/f53a8238-57eb-4f79-b269-492dde812e78/Beautiful-toddler-boy-playing-with-construction-blocks-at-kindergarten-1185931783_2209x1363-1024x632.jpeg Children and Adolescents - Child-Centered Play Therapy The play therapist works one-on-one with the child/adolescent utilizing play interventions. The therapist will begin play therapy with a parent consultation in which the parent will be asked questions about their child/adolescent, including early development, current development, and presenting concerns. The play therapist will have follow-up parent consultations with parents as needed. Young Children: Children 2.5-8 years old have difficulty talking about their problems. Play therapy is to children what talk-therapy is to adults. Play therapy utilizes play, children’s natural and developmentally appropriate medium of expression, to help them express their feelings, experiences, and beliefs more easily through toys than through words. Play therapists often use the phrase, “Toys are the child’s words, play is their language.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/1644897137583-S0CD30JN3JT1IBR05LUF/unsplash-image-YrLEYbUu2b4.jpg Children and Adolescents - Play and Activity Therapy Tweens: 8-11 or 12 years old’s, are in that in-between and confusing age (for themselves and their caregivers) of not yet teenagers and too mature for ‘baby’ activities. I have received training in various expressive arts, including sandtray therapy, and experiential activities. These allow tweens to move forward to healthier coping skills and relationships. https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/teens-and-young-adults daily 0.75 2022-02-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/5b8f440a-3a2d-440f-85f4-80ea7716ac73/teens.jpg Teens and Young Adults - Teens Generally, aged 13-17 or so, teenagers experience a variety of difficulties as they try to sort out who they are and who they are becoming. Various life events can make this transition time a more difficult one. For teens, I will use expressive techniques such as arts and crafts, sandtray therapy, and games to provide a safe space for them to communicate their needs and navigate their therapeutic journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/1644898061043-TSNASTTLLRU0Z1XDHBE6/unsplash-image-LPRrEJU2GbQ.jpg Teens and Young Adults - Young Adults For those ages 18-24: Traditional talk therapy as well as expressive arts to help work out emotional and psychological distress; deal with mental health illnesses; and/or other relational issues relating to transitional stages in life. https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/sandtray-therapy daily 0.75 2022-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/7985b422-ef2a-4dc3-aeb9-3ffad9f8942c/IMG_6543.JPG SandTray Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/8731087e-d721-495b-b9c5-1a7e0a31aa07/sANDTRAY.jpg SandTray Therapy Certified Clinical Sandttray Therapist, CCST-T https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/registrationinfo daily 0.75 2025-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/fc109faf-cae6-4484-8005-32e7a8050b2e/IMG_3879.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/65bbb886-f11e-4b2b-b6e9-7bad5db8ab94/IMG_3890.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/e60962d6-03e3-4c5b-bf1f-1850a57099a2/IMG_6839.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/8731087e-d721-495b-b9c5-1a7e0a31aa07/sANDTRAY.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/f8f2afde-4c55-4723-b473-8666ac1c52ff/IMG_5057.jpg https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/level-1-training daily 0.75 2025-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/3c1b3af6-a220-4312-942b-b5db40a46652/IMG_3875.jpg https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/level-2-training daily 0.75 2024-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/a40f3572-2048-406e-85ec-d057dd3d482f/IMG_5057.JPG https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/level-3-training daily 0.75 2024-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/4c05ab46-b904-4685-aca3-b3a34f3d352b/IMG_3890.JPG https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/level-4-training daily 0.75 2024-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6204780a065cf054a35009bc/e60962d6-03e3-4c5b-bf1f-1850a57099a2/IMG_6839.JPG https://www.smallstepstherapy.org/work-with-me daily 0.75 2025-05-09