Anam Òr (Golden Soul)
‘Anam Òr’ (Scottish Gaelic) symbolises an ode to my clients.
At the start of therapy, we often struggle to see ourselves clearly, only versions shaped by others' perceptions. It’s my privilege to witness the inner beauty within my clients from the very moment they walk in, the hidden magic they may not yet recognise.
With curiosity, patience and time you can discover your own ‘Anam Òr’ aka ‘Golden Soul’.
Authentic. Empathic. Compassionate. Honest.
Neuro-affirming. Trauma-informed.
Hello, I’m Ashley, an integrative psychotherapist based in Edithvale, in Melbourne’s south-east.
Through AO Therapy, I have the privilege of supporting young people, adults, and parents across Bayside as they navigate life’s challenges and reconnect with their sense of self.
I work from a client-centred and integrative lens, drawing on evidence-based practices, creativity, and body-mind awareness. My style is warm, curious, and collaborative - I believe healing happens in safe, connected relationships, not through quick fixes.
Whether we’re talking things through in the therapy room, walking along the beach, or using the arts to tap into deeper layers, sessions are tailored to meet you where you’re at. Nature and creativity can be powerful parts of the process - especially for those who find traditional talk therapy difficult.
Therapy with me isn’t about doing it “right.” It’s about you showing up for yourself - it can be messy.
Together, we meet that messiness with compassion and curiosity. Exploring your story and creating space for growth, healing, and change.
You can also meet Bowie, our therapy dog, who can sometimes join us in sessions and groups. Her calming presence brings warmth, comfort, and connection - especially when words are hard to find.
Why Engage in Therapy?
There are many reasons individuals, parents, young people, couples and families seek therapy.
Perhaps you're feeling misunderstood, stuck or lost - or simply curious to explore the inner you.
Ashley offers a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. She works with clients who want to understand their experiences more deeply, improve their wellbeing, or navigate life transitions with greater clarity and self-compassion.
In a confidential, non-judgemental space, therapy can support you to:
-
Gain insight into patterns and emotions
-
Develop new coping strategies that work for youDe
-
Strengthen relationships
-
Foster personal growth and authenticity
This is an opportunity to be truly heard - to rediscover what feels like you.
Areas of Focus
-
ADHD & Neurodivergence
-
Stress & Anxiety
-
Trauma & Complex PTSD
-
Teens - 'School Can't', identity, neurodiversity, anxiety
-
Adults - separation, new to dating, Identity
-
Couples - attachment patterns and intimacy
-
Parents - advocacy and psychoeducation for Parents of Age 10+
-
New Mums, Dad's & Babies
Therapy isn't about fixing who you are - it's about remembering your true essence
Services
One to One & Couples Therapy
In Edithvale, online, outreach or in nature
Group Work
In schools and in Edithvale
Therapy Dog
In schools and in Edithvale
AO Therapy offers various options to support your wellbeing, both one to one and groups.
Support groups and programs:
-
ADHD (Teens)
-
ADHD (Parenting)
-
ADHD (Women)
-
Can't Do School
-
Dog Assisted Therapy
-
Sunrise Women
Arts Therapy refers to group therapy that includes the arts; visual, movement, music, drama, journalling etc.
This will be tailored to the needs of the group participants.
Ashley's Qualifications, Training & Registration
-
Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies
-
Graduate Certificate of Youth Mental Health
-
Bachelor of Arts Psychotherapy
-
ADHD Certification
-
Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Trauma & PTSD
-
First Aid
-
Trauma Focussed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
-
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (PAT)
-
Eco-psychotherapy
-
Therapy Dog Training
-
Complex Trauma and Attachment
-
Understanding ADHD: current research and practice
-
Responding to sexual assault
-
Suicide Risk & Self-Harm
-
Introduction to Working with Men Using Family Violence (IWWM)
-
Responding to Disordered Eating
-
Certificate in Evidence-Based Treatments for Anxiety Disorders
-
PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor
-
Full Member Australasian ADHD Professionals Association
-
Working with Children
-
Provider for WorkSafe Victoria / FAS / VOCAT
-
Accepts Self-Managed and Plan-Managed NDIS Clients
-
Private health rebates available with Medibank, AHM, HBF & ARHG member funds (Including Police Health, Teachers Health, and more).
Formal Education
Specialised Training & Certifications
Professional Memberships & Registration
Provider Information




"I am less and less a creature of influences in myself which operate beyond my ken in the realms of the unconscious.
I am increasingly an architect of self.
I am free to will and choose.
I can, through accepting my individuality, my ‘isness,’ become more of my uniqueness, more of my potentiality"
~ Carl Rogers










