
All About Your Care: Compassionate, Affirming, and Empowering Therapy
Your Path to Healing Begins with Understanding and Support
If you’ve landed on this page, you’re likely seeking support, clarity, or healing — and that takes courage. As a Licensed Associate Counselor, my role is to offer compassionate, person-centered therapy in a space that’s safe, affirming, and rooted in respect for your full humanity.
I approach this work through a lens of kindness, social justice, and deep listening. Your mental, emotional, and social well-being are all connected, and I’m here to hold space for every part of your story. Together, we’ll explore your strengths, create meaningful goals, and work toward a life that feels more balanced and aligned with who you truly are.
This FAQ page is here to answer common questions about my approach, and what you can expect in working together. Whether you’re new to therapy or returning after time away—you’re welcome here.

Anyone who expresses financial need is welcome to use my sliding scale — no questions asked, no proof of income required. I believe therapy should be accessible, and I offer sliding scale rates to make sure cost isn’t a barrier to care.
Full session rates are only expected from clients who have the financial ease to comfortably pay them. If you’re unsure where you fall, we can talk through it together during your intake process.
I trust you to know what’s sustainable for you — and I’m committed to meeting you there with openness and respect.
You can request an appointment directly through my secure client portal: https://www.therapyportal.com/p/ashleyclifton/
Or simply click the “Request an Appointment” button at the top of my homepage underneath my photo.
Once you’ve requested your first appointment, you’ll receive an email with a link to set up your personal client portal. After that, you’ll get a follow-up message with a document request—this includes the required intake forms like my informed consent, HIPAA notice, and Good Faith Estimate.
If you have questions or would like help navigating the process, feel free to reach out to me directly at (501) 239-8688 or by email at ashley@ashleyclifton.com. I’m happy to walk you through it.
You’re welcome to bring your full self into the therapy space — there’s nothing too big, too messy, or too “weird” to talk about here. Common themes clients explore with me include:
Anxiety, depression, and mood challenges
Trauma and PTSD (including complex and childhood trauma)
Identity exploration (gender, sexuality, neurodivergence, spirituality, etc.)
Chronic illness and disability
Grief and loss
Life transitions and burnout
Family or relationship dynamics
Religious harm and deconstruction
Boundary work, self-trust, and rebuilding inner connection
If something you're carrying isn’t listed here, that’s okay — this list isn’t exhaustive. Therapy with me is centered around you, and that means your lived experiences, emotions, and questions are always welcome.
Psychotherapy and counseling services are only available to clients who live in Arkansas and who are physically located within the state at the time of each telehealth session. This is due to state licensure laws, and unfortunately, I’m not legally allowed to offer therapy sessions to anyone located outside of Arkansas — even temporarily.
However, I do offer holistic wellness services (such as Reiki, meditation, and intuitive support) that are available to people located anywhere in the world. These services are completely separate from psychotherapy and are open to anyone, regardless of location.
If you’re unsure which offering is the right fit for you, feel free to reach out — I’m happy to help clarify what’s possible based on your location and needs.
In the state of Arkansas, a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) is a fully trained and provisionally licensed mental health professional who has completed all graduate coursework, passed the National Counselor Exam, and is actively working toward full licensure (Licensed Professional Counselor, or LPC). LACs provide therapy under the supervision of a licensed supervisor to ensure continued growth, support, and ethical care.
I’m fully qualified to provide counseling services, and being an LAC means you get someone who’s deeply committed to learning, reflecting, and practicing with intention. I receive regular supervision to ensure I’m offering the best possible support to the clients I serve — and supervision also helps me stay grounded and accountable in this work.
My approach to therapy is person-centered, trauma-informed, and rooted in deep respect for your unique story. I believe healing happens through authentic connection, and I aim to create a space where you feel safe, affirmed, and genuinely seen.
I draw from a range of evidence-based practices — including mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and somatic strategies — tailored to your needs and goals. I also bring a lens of cultural humility, social justice, and identity-affirming care into every session.
Whether you’re working through something specific or simply wanting to reconnect with yourself, we’ll move at your pace and collaborate every step of the way. My role is to support you in exploring your experiences, uncovering your strengths, and creating meaningful, sustainable change.
All therapy sessions are held securely online using a HIPAA-compliant Zoom platform, allowing you to connect from the comfort and privacy of your own space. Prior to each session, you'll receive an email with the link to join.
You can also join your appointment at the scheduled time by clicking this direct link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5012398668
If you ever have questions about logging in or accessing your session, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help make the process as smooth as possible.
Session frequency depends on your needs, goals, and what feels most supportive for you. Most clients begin with weekly sessions to build momentum and connection, while others may move to biweekly or as-needed scheduling over time.
We’ll collaborate to find a rhythm that works for your life and your nervous system — not just your calendar. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and I’ll always be transparent with you about what I’m noticing, and what might be most helpful along the way.
Whether you’re looking for consistent, ongoing support or something more spacious and flexible, we’ll create a plan that aligns with your unique pace and preferences.
Nope — there’s no set number of sessions you’re required to commit to. Therapy is a personal process, and how long you choose to stay in it is entirely up to you.
Some clients come in for short-term support around a specific issue, while others choose to engage in longer-term work. We’ll check in regularly about how things are going, what’s feeling helpful, and whether your needs or goals have shifted.
You’re always in the driver’s seat here. I’m here to walk alongside you for as long, or as short, as it feels meaningful and supportive.
Honestly? In most settings, the terms “psychotherapy” and “counseling” are used interchangeably — and both describe talk-based approaches to support mental and emotional well-being.
That said, psychotherapy (also known as therapy) often refers to deeper, longer-term work that may explore past experiences, trauma, or patterns that impact your present life. Counseling can sometimes refer more to present-focused, solution-oriented support — like managing stress, navigating transitions, or setting goals.
In my practice, both are welcome. Whether you're looking to process complex trauma, unpack identity questions, or simply need support through a tough season, we’ll tailor our work to meet you where you are. No two journeys look the same, and the “right” approach is whatever feels supportive, collaborative, and grounded for you.
