My name is Amanda Gonyer and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I identify as she/her, third generation Mexican American, bicultural, spiritual, and LGBTQ allied. I graduated with my Masters in Marital Family Therapy from CSU Dominguez Hills and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Sonoma State University. I am very artsy and love to paint in my free time. I can usually be found trying a new restaurant, doing yoga in the park, or reading a good book with a good cup of coffee in a coffee shop.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Our first session is not a "typical" therapy session. I go over the highlights of the intake and consent paperwork you filled out before our session and go over any questions you may have. After that we discuss what brings you in and some history of what you've been experiencing. Next, we will discuss what to expect out of therapy and what you want to work on moving forward. I know it can be intimidating to speak with someone new and go over delicate details of what has been on your mind. This is normal! If I ask you something you are not ready to talk about, you don't have to tell me about it. Remember you are in control of the session!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
In my five years of working with clients, I noticed what is the most helpful is showing up as my authentic self to session. That means who I am outside of session is exactly how I am in session. I use humor, I cuss right with you (only if you cuss of course), and try to keep it real. I want to create a warm, safe, accepting space where you feel you can be your authentic self. The best way to do this? Modeling just that.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I work with motivated individuals who are struggling with anxiety and life transitions. My clients want to improve their overall coping and functioning and are looking for a therapist that will gently challenge them while also being their cheerleader.
About Amanda Gonyer
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Attachment-based
Attachment-based therapy looks at the relationship between you and your parents from childhood and how that dynamic shows up in your relationships today. Good news! Your attachment style changes over time and is not set in stone. I guide you in identifying what attachment style you have and how that is showing up in your friendships, your romantic relationships, your parenting style, and the relationship you have with yourself. By identifying your attachment style, we can work together to identify changes you can make to improve your relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at unhelpful thinking patterns we have that get us "stuck". Some of these patterns are: black-and-white thinking, over-generalizing, catastrophizing etc. First, we identify which thinking patterns get you "stuck". Next, we look at how these thoughts impact your feelings, behaviors, relationships, and overall coping strategies. Lastly, we challenge these thoughts and replace them with more helpful thoughts.
Psychoanalytic
I like to describe Psychoanalytic therapy as "reading between the lines". This theory explores what is stored in the unconscious that we may not be aware of. I help you process repressed emotions and thoughts that could be holding you back without you even knowing! If you want a therapist that will "point things out", then this method is most likely for you!
Eclectic
Overall, I tailor the therapy session to you! I intuitively pull from various therapy models depending on what you're coming into session with. Overall, I use culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach. I love to use art-based interventions and do inner child work.