Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Burk.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been a deeply empathic person and sensitive to the emotions of others, even as a child. I’ve always loved learning about and connecting with people, but I didn’t find my path to becoming a therapist until I went through a few significant experiences that deeply impacted me.
During a women and gender studies course in college, I learned about the dynamics of intimate partner violence and how patterns of power and control in relationships can affect how someone sees themselves. That knowledge helped me see my own experiences in a past relationship in a new light. I came to understand that what I had experienced wasn’t just a difficult relationship, but part of a wider pattern of abuse influenced by cultural and societal norms and that none of it was my fault.
In the aftermath, I struggled with the emotional impact of that experience and, like many people navigating the effects of trauma, went through a period of disorientation and risk-taking. A serious accident during that time led to a spinal cord injury, which became another major turning point in my life. That experience, while painful, helped me understand how connection with others and compassion can help us grow from the hardest things.
Those experiences are what ultimately led me to a career in therapy. They gave me a firsthand understanding of human resilience and sparked a commitment to helping others reframe how they see themselves and their experiences, so they can release anything that isn’t theirs to carry.
I pursued a degree in psychology and a master’s in social work to better understand how our environments can both hurt and heal us. I began my career educating youth about dating violence, then supporting survivors of intimate partner violence, and eventually moved into community mental health, where I had the privilege of working with people facing a wide range of challenges across all stages of life.
After a decade in the field, I started to feel the effects of burnout and knew I needed a change, one that would allow me to continue doing what I love: connecting with brave individuals who want to heal and thrive in a way that felt sustainable and client-centered. That’s how Ashley Burk Therapy Services, LLC was born, out of a desire to keep showing up wholeheartedly for my clients, in an environment that supports both their growth and my own.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has had its share of speed bumps, potholes, and unexpected detours. Living with physical health challenges has sometimes meant moving more slowly or taking a different path than I would like, but along the way, I’ve learned so much about myself and what we are all capable of with the right supports.
It’s been an incredible journey, and I am grateful to help others as they navigate their own paths.
We’ve been impressed with Ashley Burk Therapy Services, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In my therapy practice, I specialize in helping adults find healing and rebuilding their lives after trauma, anxiety, self-worth issues, or medical challenges. I use trauma-informed approaches like EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, but just as important as the methods I use is the genuine, human connection I build with each client.
What really sets my work apart is that I bring both professional training and lived experience to the room. I understand what it’s like to feel stuck or unsure of your value, and I know it’s not easy to step outside of your comfort zone and try new ways of moving through difficulty. I’m dedicated to creating a space where people can process their pain without fear of judgment and start seeing themselves through a lens of compassion instead of self-criticism.
My hope is that clients come to see how much of their pain has been influenced by larger cultural and systemic pressures and that there isn’t something wrong with them, but that they’ve been doing their best to survive through challenging circumstances.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest in my work is seeing people begin to believe in themselves again…that moment when a client starts to feel hope or self-compassion where there used to be shame or doubt. It’s really meaningful to witness someone reconnect with their own strength and realize they’re not broken, just human.
Outside of work, I’m happiest when I’m out in nature, laughing with my loved ones, or chasing after my spunky Boston Terrier, Josie. I love good music, good food, and anything that helps me slow down and just be in the moment.
Pricing:
- Initial assessment $145
- Individual sessions $125
- I also accept several health insurance plans for reimbursement
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleyburktherapy.com
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ashley-burk-saint-louis-mo/1336302
