Ashley Carty, B.S.

***BOOKING NOW*** FOR NEW GROUP – FREE OF CHARGE FOR THERAPISTS – OFF THE CLOCK: THERAPIST PROCESS & REAL TALK – SATURDAYS STARTING 9/6/25 AT NOON – 10 WEEKS! CONTACT ASHLEY DIRECTLY (BELOW) TO REGISTER BY 8/23/25!

Ashley is completing her Practicum in Counseling in pursuit of her M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University. She earned a B.S. in Psychology from Old Dominion University and an A.A.S. in Human Services from Tidewater Community College. She is passionate about providing her clients with support and resources to create the lives they have always wanted.

New Group – Off the Clock: Therapist Process & Real Talk

Join Ashely and fellow counseling student Dee Korpman, B.A.  for this completely free 10-week in person experiential group designed for practicing therapists to explore the emotional, relational, and systemic complexities of their clinical work. Starting on Saturday 9/6/25 at noon, the group runs 10 weeks through Saturday 11/8/25.  Through guided reflection, peer support, and honest dialogue, participants will unpack topics like burnout prevention, boundaries, imposter syndrome, identity, and the unseen weight of holding space for others. Co-facilitated by counseling interns, this group offers a safe and supportive environment to reconnect with purpose, process what’s often left unspoken, and foster deeper self-awareness within the therapeutic role.  Completely free of charge and registration open now through Sat. 8/23/25 – contact Ashley directly at 757-241-8588 or ashley@freespiritonline.org to register!

Clinical Focus Areas & Counseling Approach

Ashley provides in person (Yorktown location) and online therapy for individuals (aged 6 and up), along with couples and families. She works with clients seeking assistance with life transitions, stress reduction, self-esteem building, military/first responder community support, healthy relationship/communication skills, boundaries, relationship or intimacy enhancement women’s issues, postpartum support, grief, anxiety, and depression. She uses a client-focused, holistic approach with elements from strengths-based, solution-focused, existential, and acceptance and commitment therapy.  With couples, she also incorporates elements from the Gottman Institute.

Professional Philosophy       

From her own point of view, “Counseling is like renovating a house. It may be prompted by a significant challenge, the need for minor adjustments, or simply a desire for change. Regardless of the reason, the process can be both challenging and rewarding. I focus on providing you with a safe, supportive environment where you can build confidence and gain the tools to create the life you have always wanted.”

Professional Experience

Ashley brings over 10 years of experience working in the mental healthcare field.  She has served in a variety of inpatient settings, providing direct support to those experiencing a mental health crisis. She has also worked in community outreach, mental health skill building, and case management for the Behavioral Health Docket program with the Hampton-Newport News CSB.

Fun Facts About Ashley

  • Ashley loves reading, hiking, playing The Sims, and all things paranormal.
  • The first item on her bucket list is experiencing a penguin encounter.
  • Her favorite color is forest green.
  • Her favorite musicians are The Amity Affliction and Of Mice & Men.
  • The background you see in Ashley’s photo is from our office “The Wish” here at Free Spirit.

To schedule an appointment with Ashley, contact Clinical Director Dr. Jill Nardin, LPC at: jill@freespiritonline.org or 757-204-1866.

Ashley works directly under the supervision of Clinical Director Dr. Jill Nardin, LPC. Therapy with Free Spirit Cares non-profit students is free of charge.