About Brave Play
The Story Behind
Interactive, Experiential Continuing Education For Mental Health Professionals & Businesses
How creativity, courage, and connection came together
Expert Guidance for Counselors, Supervisors, and Agencies
You will walk away with more knowledge, new skills, renewed energy, and meaningful connections to enhance your practice. In today’s fast-paced world and complex mental health systems, many practitioners feel overwhelmed, leading to burnout and other health problems. Dr. Garrett designed Brave Play to offer you a safe space with unique opportunities to nourish your personal and professional self.
Dr. Garrett’s consultation services are designed to empower you — not just as a professional, but as a person navigating the ever-evolving landscape of mental health care.
Our vision is to create learning and therapy experiences that empower counselors and clients to reconnect with their creativity, confidence, and purpose.
The Story Behind
Dr. Ashley Garrett
Owner of Garrett Counseling & Founder of Brave Play
I hold a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University, an Education Specialist, and a Master’s in Agency Counseling from Jacksonville State University. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (#0856), National Certified Counselor, Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor, and CCE Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS #4357). Since 2009, I’ve worked full-time in private practice, specializing in counseling for children, adolescents, families, and adults facing challenges such as trauma, anxiety, and grief. I also lead trainings, seminars, and supervision programs across the U.S. and internationally. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, and gardening.
Special Recognitions & Awards
Table Of Content
Education
| INSTITUTION | GRADUATED |
|---|---|
| Walden University Minneapolis, Min Doctorate in Philosophy, CES |
05/2022 |
| Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL Education Specialist – Community and Agency Counseling |
08/2010 |
| Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL Master’s of Science – Community and Agency Counseling |
12/2004 |
| Samford University Birmingham, AL Bachelor’s of Arts – Human Development and Family Studies |
05/2003 |
Professional Experience
| INSTITUTION | YEAR |
|---|---|
| Converse College Adjunct Professor |
2019 – Present |
| Brave Play Founder |
May 2017-Present |
| Garrett Counseling Executive Director |
October 2009 – Present |
| Making A Difference, INC Contract Counselor |
July 2008 – October 2009 |
| Jacksonville State University Clerical Assistant – EDRS |
February 2007 – October 2009 |
| Starbucks Coffee Assistant Store Manager – SM Ready |
August 2005 – November 2007 |
| New Directions Substance Abuse Therapist – Outpatient |
February 2005 – August 2005 |
| Jacksonville State University Graduate Assistant of EDRS |
August 2003 – December 2004 |
| Children’s Hospital Clinical Neuropsychological Testing Administrator for HC |
2001 – 2005 |
My Philosophy of Teaching
Authentic learning requires vulnerability from both students and teachers. My role is to create a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can grow. Through my teaching methods and assignments, I emphasize connection, relationship, and safety using interactive, experiential approaches.
Students in my courses gain knowledge, practical skills, renewed energy, and meaningful connections. In a fast-paced mental health field where burnout is common, my approach offers a supportive space that nurtures personal and professional well-being, modeling healthy clinical practice for the future.
Supervision
I provide clinical supervision for individuals pursuing Registered Play Therapist credentials and for students completing internship or practicum requirements. My qualifications include RPT-S, LPC-S, Board Certified Counselor status, and advanced supervision training. More information about my background and experience is available on my website.
My supervision approach is developmental and competency-based, helping you build strong clinical skills while protecting client welfare. We set clear goals, review progress regularly, and use tools like the Therapist Evaluation Checklist to guide growth. I document each session and provide formal evaluations or Remedial Plans when needed.
Leadership
| Historian for ALCA Executive Committee | 2015 |
| Historian for ALCA Chapter V | 2013 |
| President for ALCA Chapter V | 2012 |
| Chapter V Awards Committee | 2011 |
Professional Presentations
| South Carolina Counseling Association – Annual Conference “The Counselor as a Person: Holistic approach to self-care fostering resilience in self and others” |
February 2022 |
| South Carolina Counseling Association – Annual Conference “Diversity in Play Therapy: Using the Cultural-Formulation-Interview in Play Therapy” |
February 2019 |
| AMPED 3rd Annual Hokkaido, Japan- International Mental Health Conference “Mental Health in Rural Areas: Decreasing stigmas, changing family cycles, and building individual strengths through utilization of play therapy in educational and clinical mental health settings” |
January 2019 |
| Alabama Play Therapy Association – Workshop Speaker “Play Therapy Interventions for Children and Adolescents” |
July 2018 |
| ALSCA 4th Annual Critical Issues Conference Requested by Conference Chair: “Leveling Up Your Game: Interactive play therapy techniques for school and agency mental health professionals” |
May 2018 |
| International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors New Orleans, Louisiana 2018 International Conference “Play Therapy for Couples and Families: Techniques to increase attachment and communication” |
February 2018 |
| Centar Proventus, Zagreb, Croatia “Sand Tray and Play Therapy: Basics and Beyond” |
June 2017 |
| ALSCA 3rd Annual Critical Issues Conference “Interactive Play Therapy Techniques” |
May 2017 |
| Alabama Counseling Association State Annual Conference “Interactive Play Therapy for School and Agency – Round 3” “Using Sand Tray in Play Therapy” |
2016 |
| Alabama Counseling Association State Annual Conference “Interactive Play Therapy for School and Agency – Round 2” “What Would You Do? Experiencing Ethics in Real Time” |
2015 |
| Alabama Counseling Association State Annual Conference “Play Therapy Techniques for Agency and School” |
2014 |
| ALCA Chapter V Spring Workshop, “Getting Our Hands Dirty” “Play (Therapy) through the Lifespan” |
2012 |
| Alabama Counseling Association State Annual Conference “Balancing the Ethics of Social Networking and Counselor Morale” “Chi Sigma Iota” presentation — Co-Presenter |
2011 |
| ALCA State Annual Conference November 2009 “Mentoring Handbook” – co presenter with Dr. Tommy Turner |
2009 |
Involvement
| Practicum and Internship Site Supervisor JSU Educational Resources Department – Supervising Master’s level counseling JSU Department of Psychology – Supervising undergraduate psychology students |
2011 – Current |
| JSU Counselor Education Program Advisory Council | 2009 – Current |
| Parenting with Purpose GCC provides a parenting therapy group that teaches nurturing and effective parenting skills, while providing therapeutic space to make difficult changes. |
2009 – Current |
|
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Chi Theta Chapter member
|
2010 – 2011 |
| Calhoun County Quality Assurance Team Department of Human Resources |
2010 – 2015 |
| Calhoun County Juvenile Drug Court Program GCC provides two team members (free of charge) to lead group counseling sessions and provide family support services as directed by Judge and probation office for at-risk teens. |
2013 – 2014 |
| Community Care Garden Work with local farmers market to establish “Kids Garden” and teach emotion management and basic problem solving skills to children and parents. Increases connection between child – parent. |
2013 – 2014 |
| Calhoun County Christian Women’s Job Corp Lead support and guidance groups for women seeking GED and employment skills |
2010 – 2013 |
| Jacksonville State University Psychology Department PSY Club “Future You – Future Profession” with Q & A |
2013 – 2014 |
| Jacksonville State University Psychology Department PSY 100 “Basics of Play Therapy” with Q & A |
2013 |
| ALCA Chapter V Spring Workshop, “Getting Our Hands Dirty” “Play (Therapy) through the Lifespan” |
2012 |
| Mentoring Mondays Source Center at Lagrange College, GA Q & A on Counseling and Private Practice |
2012 |
| Gadsden Cultural Arts Center Served on Board of Directors for Imagination Place |
2008 – 2011 |
| Starbucks Coffee, Oxford, AL “Radiothon” with 95.5 for Children’s Hospital, fundraised over $1,000 to benefit the hospital, coordinated over 15 volunteers, implemented “1st Annual Starbucks Art Auction”, raised over $2,500 to benefit the Arts at a local high school, coordinated over 25 volunteers |
2006 – 2007 |
| American Cancer Association MidSouth Division and Calhoun and Cherokee County Support Meetings “Personality and Survival: Increasing Communication Skills and Establishing Support” |
2011 |
| Jacksonville State University Women’s History Month “Assertiveness 101 Reflecting on the Empowering Women of History” |
2011 |
| Department of Human Resources “BIG ROCKS Time Management” “Crack In The Vase: Increasing Knowledge on Four Common Disorders in DHR Clients.” |
2011 |
| Active Minds Student Organization (JSU Division) “Assertiveness Training” |
2010 – 2012 |
| Jacksonville State University Freshman LS100 Class “Why is College so Stressful?” “Personality and College Success” |
2009 – 2010 |