Ashley DeFreitas, Adult & Child Trauma Specialist in CT

You want to feel grounded in life.

You want the best for your kids.

A white appearing woman with dark brown straight hair in a black shirt, sitting in a grey chair with a blue background smiling at the camera, a trauma therapist

You want to feel more energized and focused, and are ready to focus on one step at a time. You may know how your past experiences impact how you feel and what you are doing, but can’t think of any other way to approach life.

And you want the best for your kids. It is painful for you to see them struggling with their peers and big feelings. Maybe the sound of your phone ringing conjures dread, fear that the school is calling…again.

I believe that therapy is a collaborative process. You are the expert of you, and I am a supportive guide showing you the new ways to approach life. Whether you are seeking services for yourself in hopes of breaking free from unhelpful habits or if you are a parent looking for support for or hoping to source more ways to support your child–we have you covered!

We will help you feel less alone in facing the many challenges of life and/or parenthood.

A Black man and a younger Black girl washing their hands in the sink with a bar of soap, children being supported by therapy
A white appearing woman with dark brown straight hair in a navy shirt, grey sweater on a black background smiling at the camera, a child therapist

Meet Ashley!

My clients describe me as homey, “nice teacher energy,” and empowering.

I want you to know that in our sessions, you will not feel rushed or diverted. I want to hear your story as you see it so that I can craft the most tailored approach. I use a blend of CBT  and other models as necessary. So we will talk, I will observe, and then we can explore some options. For younger kids, we will also use art and play therapeutic techniques. 

I have over 10 years of experience working with kids and teens on self-esteem, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. I have been thoroughly trained using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I am endlessly supportive and will help you believe in and accept yourself even on your harder days by shining a light on your strengths.

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

    Play Therapy

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Risking Connection & Trauma Response

    EMDR for Kids: Trauma Informed Strategies for Young Clients and Their Grown Ups

    EMDR & Parts Work for Treating Complex Trauma: Somatic Techniques to Decrease Defensiveness and Facilitate Trauma Processing

    Traumatic Grief: Neuroscience-Based Therapy Tools for Transforming Loss into Meaningful Recovery

    Anxiety Certification Course: Integrate CBT & Exposure & Response Prevention for Treatment of GAD, Panic Disorder, OCD, Social Anxiety & Phobias

  • Western Connecticut State University | M.S Clinical Mental Health

    University of Hartford | B.S Psychology with a Minor in Management

  • LPCA 46.006478

  • When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time in nature, with family, friends, and my dog, Hope.

Specialties

Children

Trauma

Anxiety

Set up an appointment and we will work out the rest together.