Clinical Credentials

 Dr. Ashley Junghans-Rutelonis, PhD, LP is a Mayo Clinic College of Medicine trained clinical psychologist. She has been in clinical practice for over a decade, partnering with women to solidify values-based living and explore next steps in the lives they choose to lead. 

So who am I?...

I have always been overbooked. I attended a small, intense college-prep school starting at age 5 and proceeded to juggle academics, school activities (drama and literary magazine nerd!), out of school activities (singing with the Minnesota Opera Company by the time I was in junior high), and hobbies (fishing with my father and loving the outdoors). 

I have always operated best with a full schedule and have continued this practice into adulthood.

In choosing a career as a scientist-practitioner in clinical psychology, I looked for a discipline where I could mix my love of people, art, and science, as well as one that would keep me engaged and busy. During the years between college and my PhD program, I worked as an administrator in the Northwestern University Law School Cook County Juvenile Court Clinic on the southside of Chicago. I worked by butt off at that job not just because of my intrinsic drive but because of my bosses. Our leadership team included 5 bad-ass, high-performing women and my excitement about the power of bold, smart, and collaborative women-led teams was sparked.

Since that time, I earned a masters and doctorate in clinical psychology from Oklahoma State University. I partnered with patients across hospital systems and clinics to focus on quality of life, mental health, and wellness. I led grant-funded research. I published peer-reviewed articles for academic journals and presented my work to groups locally, nationally, and internationally for the past decade. I trained doctors, nurses, and other professionals in areas related to wellness, value-aligned living, burn-out, and stress. I spent significant time honing my clinical skill and staying up to date on evidence-based methods to approach mental health.

Do you know what else I have done? Worked hard. Really hard. While an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, I stayed late entering data for a behavioral health grant-funded project and went into labor with my son that night. While working in a position I loved for a team I respected, I worked a triple shift because they would not otherwise have the support they needed. In a recent leadership position, I brought my laptop to the ER so I could present remotely to an 8am meeting if the hospital kept me overnight.

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So here I am, after being on track to "climb to the top,” choosing a different path. If you would have asked me about my path forward in the middle of that climb, I never would have told you I would step away to truly embrace values-based living. For me, however, this path brings me joy and allows me to partner with incredible women who are forging the path that is right for them.

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Do you know what I have done since I acknowledged I have something of value to contribute as a consultant and in private practice? I wake up in the morning excited about the day. I give myself space to breathe while I am drinking a morning cup of coffee, looking at the Minnesota snow fall, and planning my day. I consider my own mental health and allow myself to spend time examining how to better live in accordance with my values. It may not be right for other women, but it is right for me. It has been, and continues to be thrilling, wacky, and fulfilling. A beautiful story that continues to unfold. I hope to partner with you as you determine your story.