Hello, my  name is Ashley Bair,  LCSW, CADC.  I am a licensed clinical social worker and certified alcohol and drug counselor.  I am a proud graduate of the University of New England’s graduate program, and  have been a practicing outpatient clinician since 2015.  My clinical passion is working with people that have experienced trauma(s). 

Simply put, a trauma is anything that overwhelms the brain’s ability to cope, process, or make sense of what is occurring.  For some this could be a one time traumatic event such as  a car accident, a natural disaster, or loss of a pregnancy.  For others, the “events” are not specific at all, but rather years of emotional abuse and neglect.  Trauma negatively impacts our brains, our bodies and our lives, regardless of its specifics. 

I utilize two very specific trauma informed treatment modalities to support my patients in processing and healing through their trauma. I am nationally certified to utilize both trauma informed cognitive behavioral therapy (TFCBT) as well as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)

TFCBT is an evidence based treatment modality that I utilized with children and young adults.  TFCBT contains a treatment curriculum that supports the child in working through their trauma(s) in a step by step process, starting with age appropriate psychoeducation about the body, brain and trauma. 

This curriculum is estimated to take about 6-9  months of weekly treatment, however the amount of treatment needed will inevitably depend on the child’s needs.  I feel that in order for sustainable progress to occur, treatment needs to include not only the child, but the caregiver(s) as well.  A typical TFCBT session will include individual time with the child, parent, and some joint sessions.

 For more information on this type of treatment modality, please visit: https://tfcbt.org/

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence based treatment modality that utilizes bi-lateral stimulation to support patients in reprocessing through traumatic events.  EMDR is also utilized to support patients with severe anxiety, depression, or specific phobias.  This process starts with a 4-5 session intake process to establish symptoms, goals, and identify target memories for reprocessing.  Following the intake process, we will utilize bi-lateral stimulation to support reprocessing and healing.  Each patient has a unique set of strengths and needs, and therefore reprocessing timelines will vary for each patient. 

For more information of this type of treatment modality, please visit: https://www.emdr.com/

I am passionate about helping people grow and find healing through their struggles.  People who experience trauma have a unique opportunity to rediscover the strongest parts of themselves that they might never have known were there.  

My job is to walk alongside you, guide you, and show you that parts of yourself can start to be healed by safe relationships.  Together, we will heal what’s broken and restore what was lost. It is my greatest privilege and honor to be welcomed into people’s hearts and minds and to support them during the most challenging times of their lives.