All About Your Care: Compassionate, Affirming, and Empowering Therapy

You can bring a wide range of issues to our sessions, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, self-esteem, relationship challenges, and so much more. I’m here to support you in whatever you’re facing, no matter what.

As an intern, I’m a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, completing my required supervised hours to become a fully licensed counselor. This means I’m actively gaining hands-on experience in the field, working with clients under the guidance of experienced, licensed professionals. Being an intern allows me to apply the latest counseling techniques and theories in real-time, providing you with up-to-date, compassionate support. My role as an intern doesn’t change the quality of care you’ll receive; I’m dedicated to supporting you fully, and each session is conducted with professionalism and confidentiality. The internship simply represents a phase in my journey toward licensure, allowing me to offer free services to Arkansas residents while I complete this important step in my training. During my internship, I work directly with an on-site supervisor through my placement site of Catalyst Counseling, where my supervisor oversees every move I make during my internship, reviews my session notes from each appointment, and supports me in all possible ways. I also work directly with another direct supervisor through my university with weekly group supervision meetings, an academic advisor, and also a field placement coordinator that oversees every facet of what us interns do during our graduate program. In other words, I'm being guided and supervised in every way possible, ensuring that you receive the best care out there.

Only Arkansas residents qualify for free 50-minute counseling sessions, offered through mid-May of 2025 as part of my internship with Catalyst Counseling.

The frequency of your sessions will depend on your needs and goals. Many clients start with weekly or twice-a-week sessions, and we can adjust as we go along. Sometimes, clients feel that scheduling appointments every other week is best, while some schedule only as-needed. We will work on a treatment plan together, where the most clinically appropriate frequency will be decided upon together.

There is no commitment to a certain number of sessions; you’re welcome to come as often as needed. Together, we can determine what feels best for your journey.

To become a new client or to schedule a session as an already established client, you can do so directly by visiting this link: https://www.therapyportal.com/p/catalyst72032/ This link takes you directly to Catalyst Counseling's client portal, where you can see a calendar of my availability, and schedule your desired day and time. Once requesting your first appointment as a new client, you'll receive an email with a link to establish a client portal. Quickly thereafter, you'll receive another email for a "documents request", which includes required forms for establishing a therapeutic relationship with one another, such as an informed consent, HIPAA notice, and much more. If you have any questions or concerns through this process, or would like assistance in any way, please feel free to reach out to me directly via text message or phone call at (501) 239-8688 or email at ashley@ashleyclifton.com

Currently, free therapy services are only available to Arkansas residents due to licensing requirements.

Therapy and counseling are often used interchangeably, as they both involve talking to a licensed or pre-licensed professional to address personal challenges, mental health issues, and life goals. Essentially, they’re two sides of the same coin, and both provide a safe, supportive space for exploring emotions, improving mental well-being, and finding strategies to cope with life’s challenges. The main distinction sometimes comes down to focus and depth. Counseling often refers to shorter-term, goal-oriented work that addresses specific issues like stress, relationships, or adjusting to life changes. Therapy, on the other hand, can encompass a longer-term process that dives more deeply into patterns, past experiences, and complex mental health concerns. It may involve exploring underlying beliefs and emotions to support long-term growth and self-awareness. In practice, I adapt our work to meet your unique needs, whether that means focusing on short-term goals or taking a more in-depth approach. Whatever you call it, both therapy and counseling can be powerful tools for personal healing, development, and emotional resilience.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in compassion, respect, and the belief that each individual’s journey is unique. I take a person-centered approach, which means our work together is led by your needs, goals, and experiences. I integrate a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to support your personal growth, resilience, and well-being. This may include trauma-informed practices, mindfulness strategies, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and culturally sensitive support to honor your identity and lived experiences. Throughout our sessions, I aim to provide a non-judgmental, affirming space where you feel safe to explore, heal, and grow. I’m here to listen and to work collaboratively with you, supporting you in uncovering strengths, developing coping skills, and building a path forward that feels right for you. Whether you’re here to navigate specific challenges or deepen your self-understanding, my approach is about empowering you to connect with yourself fully and create meaningful change.

All sessions are conducted securely online via a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, providing you with privacy and convenience. Prior to your scheduled session, you'll receive an email from me that includes the link, as well as an automated email with a link from Zoom. You can also join your appointment directly by clicking this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5012398668