“An individual is so much more than their challenge, or reason for being in therapy.”

Ashley Borghetti, LMHC believes that to be your authentic self is to be free. 

For clients working with Ashley, or for those searching for a therapist, they find a safe space to be themselves and trust their lived experiences. 

Ashley’s personality exudes creativity, humor, and compassion. She utilizes these parts of herself to guide individuals and families through life’s challenges and toward a place of understanding, healing, and growth. 

Ashley takes a strength-based and integrative approach to therapy. She specializes in Expressive Arts Therapy, and pulls from the person-centered interventions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. 

Her years of experience working closely with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, in residential, community-based, and school settings has evolved her therapeutic approach to where it is today. 

We sat down with Ashley to learn more about her background in the field, and approach to counseling individuals online and in our Franklin office.

What led you to become a therapist?

My journey into the mental health field wasn’t linear. I followed my passions, and along the way, the signs continued to show me that this is where I’m meant to be. 

Looking back, I’ve encountered many older women in my life, who have encouraged me to pursue higher education in the field of mental health. I come from a pretty challenging background, and I’m a first generation high school student. When you have people in your life who see the potential in you, you trust yourself, and take the chance to pursue it. 

I was on track to nursing school, until I took an intro to psychology class my second semester of my freshman year. I found the topics to be so fascinating, every part of me was curious and stimulated. I impulsively changed my major. 

My passions for psychology and studio art merged, and the Director of Art encouraged me to pursue a Master’s Degree in Expressive Arts Therapy- something I’d never heard of. 

I got accepted into Lesley University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s degree program, the founding school of expressive arts therapy, and I ran with it. I’ve been passionate about Expressive Arts Therapy ever since.

What prior experiences have you had in the field?

I started in residential care, working with children and individuals with serious behavioral and mental health conditions. At the same time, I was pursuing my Master’s degree. 

I really enjoyed teaching children and adolescents emotional regulation skills, but in the residential setting, my approach to therapy had to be very structured and direct. 

As someone who expresses themselves through movement and the creative arts, it challenged me to be intensely aware of my body language, and limit my communication to words. 

After working in residential care for many years, I was ready to step into private practice. Now, I take the variety of treatment approaches I’ve learned through years of experience and training, and fit them into my own unique style.

How do you connect with clients?

Clients often tell me they feel as if they’re talking to a close friend. I’m unabashedly authentic, expressive, and transparent. I create an open space for clients to show up as their true selves, where the transformation can take place. 

I’ll always gather an understanding of the client from multiple perspectives, their hobbies, interests, talents, goals, relationships, friendships. 

Clients really value my ability to listen intently, and to remember details or experiences they’ve shared with me in the past. 

All of these techniques are grounded in my belief that an individual is more than their challenge, or reason for being in therapy. I strive to develop an understanding of the whole person, not limited to the struggles they’re facing.

What therapeutic modalities do you use?

I take a strength-based and expressive arts approach to therapy. 

I’ll pull from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and motivational interviewing interventions.

I believe in the healing power of humor, compassion, and creativity to guide clients through the moment, and toward a place of understanding, healing, and growth.

What mental health conditions and life situations do you address?

I’m here to help individuals and families work through the following challenges and life situations: 

 

• Anxiety, Panic, and Phobias
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Personality Disorders
• Anger Management
• Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
• Health/Medical Problems
• Self-Harm/Self-Injurious Behaviors 
• Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD/ADD)
• Divorce/Custody Disputes
• Adoption/Foster care
• LGBTQ+ 
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• PTSD/Acute Stress
• Academic/Occupational/Work Issues/Career
• Trauma

I’ve recently discovered how much I love working with young adults, who are in a transitional phase of life. It may have to do with my closeness to that experience, not so long ago.

What are your self-care practices?

When I was working full time in residential care, while earning my master’s degree, I neglected my self-care and personal passions. I got to a point where I didn’t recognize myself outside of my career, and I knew that I needed to develop a relationship with myself. 

I started walking everyday, and then I got a dog. I began listening to audiobooks and podcasts. I started reading, and learning how to relax. I got into running, and recently ran my first 5K. I’ve learned how to take care of and propagate plants, which I now give to friends and loved one’s as reminders of growth.

What’s your favorite part of being a therapist?

As a therapist, I’m allowed to show up as my authentic, weird, and energetic self. I love being able to humanize myself, and I think that encourages clients to be themselves too.

Moving forward with Ashley Borghetti, LMHC:

Ashley is here to safely and open-heartedly guide you through the process of understanding, integration, healing, and growth. 

Whether you’re looking for online counseling, or in-person counseling from our Franklin office, Ashley is here to meet your needs and help you reach your goals. 

Contact us today at (413) 343-4357 to schedule an appointment with Ashley!

About The Author