Approach to Therapy

Dr. Butterfield believes that the therapeutic relationship is a critical component of treatment and the healing process. As such, it is of great importance to her that patients feel comfortable and confident about working closely together and about the trajectory of their treatment process. She approaches each patient with warmth, empathy, and kindness.

A goal of treatment is to assist patients in becoming experts of their own anxiety by acquiring a thorough working knowledge of its triggers, symptoms, patterns, and consequences. Once a comprehensive understanding of the nature of anxiety is understood, intervention becomes that much more effective. Rather than having to retreat from anxiety, individuals can learn to effectively intervene and confront their fears. Thus, the foundation of therapy begins with accurate diagnosis and a sound understanding of how anxiety is manifesting and functioning.

Dr. Butterfield primarily employs Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention to successfully treat anxiety and co-occurring disorders. She also utilizes methods of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Butterfield additionally integrates stress management techniques, assertiveness training, problem solving skills, and relaxation training into her treatment provision, as needed. Her approach to treatment is skills-based and designed to assist patients in quickly transferring the skills they learn into the important environments of their lives. Ultimately, her goal is to teach patients to become so adept at managing their anxiety that they are able to actively pursue their dreams with confidence and excitement.

Experience and Training

Dr. Butterfield earned her Doctorate from Adler University in Chicago, Illinois.  She has worked in counseling centers, intensive-outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, outpatient clinics, and private practice settings. She has had training and experience in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention to treat anxiety disorders, co-occurring disorders, and life stressors in patients ranging from school-aged children to adults. Dr. Butterfield is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Illinois Psychological Association, the International OCD Foundation, and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.

More About Ashley

Dr. Butterfield was born and raised in the south-side suburbs of Chicago.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and engaging in physical exercise.