About Me

Claire Ashton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin, a certification in Paralegal Studies from Duke University, and a Master of Arts in Counseling from St. Edward’s University. ​Claire completed her practicum and later practiced professionally at Ascension Seton Behavioral Health where she received training in DBT while facilitating groups in the Adult Intensive Outpatient Program. She concurrently completed a second practicum at Capital Area Counseling (CAC) where she treated children, families, and individuals presenting with mood disorders, social anxiety, perfectionism, phobias, challenges transitioning to adulthood, family challenges related to incarceration of a parent and divorce, personality disorders, chronic suicidal ideation and self-injuring behavior, and trauma and ritual abuse. Claire acted as Director of Operations, Senior Clinician, and Partner at a mid-sized, Austin-based, adherent-DBT agency prior to launching Austin Urban Sanctuary, her current endeavor. ​In 2017, Claire completed basic training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is used to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. She was certified by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) in 2021 after completing advanced training in the use of EMDR for grief and mourning and the use of EMDR for ego-state work. As an EMDRIA Consultant, Claire supports clinicians on their path toward certification by offering both group and individual consultation. Practicing at the intersection of EMDR and DBT, Claire brings a unique skill-set and perspective to clinical consultation and treatment with individuals who have experienced recurring developmental trauma. In addition, she has also completed advanced education in DBT and EMDR for Substance Use Disorders. In 2023, Claire introduced the use of virtual reality technology to her practice, providing clients the opportunity to experience real-life scenarios and safe exposure in controlled environments adapted and customized to clients' individual needs. ​Prior to pursuing a career in counseling, Claire worked in the music and technology industries, and is passionate about helping creative individuals identify personal goals and priorities, build meaningful relationships, and find healthy and fulfilling ways to express themselves.