Ashley Downey is trained and educated in some of the most effective evidence-based therapy approaches for treating trauma and attachment-based relational injuries. She specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with extended training in attachment as it relates to EMDR, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Relational Cultural Therapy (RCT), grief counseling, and mindfulness-based approaches. Ashley takes special interest in how physical health relates and contributes to an individual’s emotional health. She ensures a holistic approach is being analyzed and offered in her care and treatment. Ashley has worked in a variety of settings, including residential treatment for those incarcerated or in juvenile detention centers and residential treatment for those with a criminal or mental health background. She has worked in schools, with county agencies, colleges, and in communities. Ashley collaborates her clients’ care with interdisciplinary teams to ensure the best care is offered and accessible. Ashley is trained in crisis-based responsive training, and has offered such training to K-12 schools, county agencies, law enforcement programs, foster families, and colleges. Ashley has specialized training in de-escalation techniques for those in crisis, and in turn, has begun training government officials in these techniques. Ashley has earned an Associate of Science in Law Enforcement from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Deviance from the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, and a Master of Social Work with a clinical approach from The College of St. Scholastica.
This session will review the areas of our brain that are connected and stimulated through relational connection or disconnection. It will further expand on attachment patterns and how they play a role in the way we connect and understand others. We’ll discuss how understanding the needs of those we care for and practicing our own self awareness when dealing with those in a traumatic response and crisis are so important. Lastly, we’ll cover how to bring compassion to all areas of our lives and realize when we are our best selves, so that we can offer the best care for others.