Education
Ashley received her Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology form Pacifica Graduate Institute, and holds a Bachelor’s in Psychological Science from UC Irvine.
Ashley is trained in EMDR and has gone through certification in Religious Trauma and Spiritual Abuse with the Global Center for Religious Research.
About Ashley McKinnon, AMFT, APCC
Hi, I’m Ashley. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#146864) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (#16602). My journey to becoming a therapist stems from a lifelong passion, as I have always been an explorer of the deep inner worlds of myself and others. Now, it is my greatest joy to help others foster a deep connection to their core selves, which enables them to show up more authentically in the world and in their relationships.
My therapeutic style is guided by compassion and curiosity, is spiritually grounded, and prioritizes creating a safe space for healing and exploration. I come from a depth tradition of psychology, which prioritizes getting down below the surface of symptoms or problems to uncover the underlying issues and patterns that shape our lives. Instead of focusing on quick fixes or linear progress, my focus lies in the full integration of all aspects of your self - even the ones you might not like so much - into a harmonious whole. I love integrating dreamwork, art, mindfulness, meditation, and compassionate dialogue with your various inner parts. The work that I do is trauma informed, relational, and done at your own pace, allowing for things to unfold in their own perfect time.
A bit about me: I have been a California native my whole life, born in Sacramento and now residing in sunny Orange County. I am a musician, a writer, a reader, an animal lover, and recently, even a motorcycle rider. I was raised in the Christian church and went through a major faith deconstruction in my late 20s, yet I still hold a lot of reverence and appreciation for many of the foundational experiences and values it instilled in me. Today, spirituality and my sense of connection to the Great Mystery are among the most treasured aspects of my life. This inspires my work as a therapist, guiding me to approach each client with openness, sensitivity, and a deep respect for their personal journey.
You are so worth experiencing genuine wholeness, peace, and living as authentically You. Feel free to reach out to see if we might be a good fit, I would love to meet you!
