Speaking Engagements and Trainings

Ashlee Reese, LMHC, is a sought-after public speaker in Kitsap, known for her insightful and disarming presence at various events and community settings. Topics she's been invited to discuss have included: the power of play, mental health issues, loss, parenting, attachment styles, and more.

Her talent for sharing meaningful illustrations and relatable analogies shines through, making her a favorite among those who attend her talks. She presents information with warmth and with passion - engaging the audience with real-life examples and with real-time feedback. "Teaching and presenting, for me, is like one big conversation I want to have with everyone. Just like in a good cooking class — I want us all to get our hands in the pot, taste as we go, and leave with something tangible. Learning isn’t just about the intel; it's about engaging the materials, getting curious, stirring things up, and finding meaning in the dialogue we accomplished together."

It's common to hear people say that Ashlee is approachable, a breadth of knowledge, and "breaks things down in a unique and digestible way".

Below are a few samples of speaking engagements she has had the honor of presenting in the past. If you would like to invite Ashlee to speak, please reach out to collaborate.

UPCOMING EVENT

November 5th, 2025 6-7pm

Disordered Eating and Anxiety Workshop

This November 5th, from 6-7 pm, Brett from BC Fitness and I are collaborating to speak on Disordered Eating, Anxiety, and Self Identity. This is testimony mixed with professional insights - from both a Mental Health Practitioner and Personal Trainer. And it's free to serve our community!

As Brett said eloquently, "We’re going to talk about my story (and in a lot of ways, everyone’s story) about what it means to hold it together when life gets heavy... It’s about being human, and finding a little peace in the middle of the mess."

Disordered eating has many similarities to other things we struggle with. I encourage you to join - the things you, or a friend, struggle with may in fact have the same roots. I'm excited to be a part of ending stigma and proclaiming truth over these sensitive topics we often deal with privately, or behind the mask of performance.

Free to attend but limited seats. I want you to be one of them!
🌟 💞 Reserve your spot here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44A8AE28A7FDC07-58623316-nourishing?fbclid=IwY2xjawNfvYxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExbXJ3QVFrejZ0VUtnbkpJAR5aCkmEeAN9DZYNe_8e1vbfVN1Zzhzer8HzZ2owxjKcWP2hoFnBxliqhwM8Wg_aem_QFil6q7tRbhTJfBFccBdag

Please bring a friend, or just yourself. I'll personally greet you and would love to chat after. We want to pack the house.

PAST EVENT
Pregnancy and Infant Loss: How to Navigate Grief with Littles

This month marks an especially delicate time and topic as October is a pregnancy and infant loss month of awareness. I, myself, just passed the death-anniversary of our oldest.

Just yesterday, my toddler asked me if children die. His eyes concerned for himself and the world around him. And boy, did I want to relieve him of that suffering. I felt my eyes well with tears thinking of his brother he's never met - "Yes. Sometimes they do."

I've posted about navigating loss and explaining death to children in the past. But this Friday I'll be speaking at PBF MOPS regarding both: how to help children work through their grief, and also experience parental grief as bystanders.

Grief is painful and complicated for adults, and children facing a loss (for themselves or seen in others) can be equally confusing as upsetting. I'd love to spend some time with you, and help by giving context and ideas for ways you can support them - and yourselves - if you are facing family grief in any way.

I will address:
-having and giving permission to grieve (with God, with/for yourself, with/for your children)
-what young children need to hear
-confusing language and behavior to avoid
-reflective questions to reveal potential barriers to your own grief and support

We would love to see you there. 930-1130am Fri, Oct 20th.

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PAST EVENT
Showing Up Better: Exercising Strong Connection and Communication

"Grab a coffee or tea on the way and join me and others for a free hour Wednesday night . I'll be going over what patterns stop us from connection in relationships - be it our kids, coworkers, or partners. I'd love to see you there and dive into the intro of this profound topic." - Ashlee Reese

Let’s face it relationships are hard sometimes. Whether it's your partner, family, coworkers, or friends, how we show up matters. In this Wednesday Wellness session, we’ll dig into how our emotional patterns shape the way we connect, communicate, and handle conflict.

Led by local licensed therapist Ashlee Reese of Selah Counseling, this workshop is designed for real people who want real tools, not therapy speak or shame spirals.

Expect powerful insights, group engagement, and practical strategies to help you:

Understand the difference between regulation and real emotional safety
Spot patterns that keep you stuck in relational drama
Communicate your needs without feeling selfish or shutting down
Build stronger, more secure relationships...starting with yourself
We’ll also explore how physical health supports emotional well-being, including the ways strength training and nutrition help us manage stress and show up better under pressure.

This is not just a lecture, Ashlee’s style is interactive, approachable, and grounded. You’ll leave with reflection tools, communication scripts, and more clarity on what healthy connection actually looks like.

Bring a journal, an open mind, and maybe a friend.
Emotional fitness meets real-life application.
Space is limited—RSVP below.

Direct link to register or use QR code below: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GU2RcLPan/

PAST EVENT
How to Fight Fair In Your Marriage

If you’ve ever thought, ‘We love each other, so why do we hurt each other like this?’ — this talk is for you. ‘Fighting Fair in Marriage’ will help you understand the deeper patterns underneath conflict and how to turn arguments into opportunities for connection.

Conflict is part of every marriage — but the way we fight often tells the deeper story of how we love, fear, and seek closeness. When we argue, we’re not just reacting to words; we’re reaching for reassurance: “Do you see me? Do I still matter to you?”.

In “Fighting Fair in Marriage,” you’ll learn how to slow down the cycle, hear the need behind the words, and create opportunities for closeness and regulation during the division.