Dr. Ashley Brauer

My Approach

Therapy is a highly individualized and nuanced process. It’s important to be aware of the many types of providers and how they are qualified to help. Psychologists, therapists, and sport psychology consultants (or “coaches”) have different levels of training and work from varying styles of treatment. It is important to ask questions when speaking with a potential provider to ensure you are finding a good fit (visit the Questions page to view examples). 

I am trained in and draw from evidence-based behavioral therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (pronounced “act”) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also highly value helping individuals resolve ambivalence about behavior change to strengthen their own intrinsic motivation for change through an evidence-based technique called “Motivational Interviewing.” CBT and ACT have been tailored and studied for different populations. For example, the first-line treatment recommendation for insomnia at present is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia. Additionally, the field of performance psychology has demonstrated that utilizing ACT can not only have benefits for mental health concerns such as anxiety, but can also help athletes and performers increase their ability to get into “flow.”

My Journey

For as long as I can remember I have loved movement and been fascinated by the power of the mind. This led me to the path of becoming a sport psychologist. While our paths are different, like you, I have grown up in cultures and systems with values, norms, and beliefs. I continue to work on unlearning and relearning. I have also been through both wonderful and difficult experiences. These experiences have shaped who I am and how I help. As a former athlete and coach, I’ve witnessed the impact of hard work eroded by insufficient rest, an underutilized mental “toolbox,” and mental health concerns. In our everyday efforts to do our best, the most basic needs can often be left neglected. Addressing the basics—sleep, health behaviors, and mental wellbeing—can enhance quality of life and optimize performance. 

Being a psychologist is an honor. It is a privilege to collaborate with individuals as they work towards making meaningful changes in their lives. The most rewarding thing about being a psychologist is knowing that effective skills and treatments can play a part in helping someone to transform their life.

Professional Background

• Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Psychology, University of Minnesota

• Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Lund University (Sweden) and the University of Leipzig (Germany) through the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Program 

• PhD in Clinical Psychology at Saint Louis University

• APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship in Health Psychology at the University of Missouri

• Recipient of the Sleep Research Society’s Mentor-Mentee Award

• Post-doctoral fellowship at the Victory Program at McCallum Place, St. Louis, Missouri

• Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine by the Board of Behavioral Sleep Medicine 

Throughout my career, I have worked within healthcare settings, university athletic departments, and a residential eating disorder treatment program for athletes. I currently provide telehealth services and am licensed in Iowa, Minnesota, New York, and PSYPACT states.