LPC/MHSP, 15 years of experience
I’m Amanda, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience helping adults create meaningful change in their lives. I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community and supporting clients with mood disorders, identity concerns, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative and affirming, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Reality Therapy to provide both practical tools and a safe space for growth. Together, we’ll focus on helping you feel more balanced, connected, and empowered to live in alignment with your values.
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and make sure it feels like a good fit. I’ll ask about what brought you to counseling, any symptoms or challenges you’ve been experiencing, past therapy experiences, and family or personal history you feel is important. I also make space for your questions, so you leave the first meeting with a clear sense of what working together might look like. My goal is to create a supportive, collaborative start to the process so you feel comfortable moving forward.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is showing up authentically and creating a space where clients feel genuinely seen and supported. I bring warmth, compassion, and even humor into sessions when it helps lighten the load, while always holding a deep belief in each person’s ability to grow and change. Clients often share that they feel encouraged during our time together and empowered to put what we discuss into action between sessions.
I particularly enjoy working with adults, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals who are justice-involved or transitioning back into the community. I am also well positioned to support clients navigating mood disorders, identity concerns, and major life changes. My ideal clients are motivated to make practical changes in their daily lives while also being open to exploring the deeper emotions and patterns that shape their experiences. Together, we focus on both immediate strategies and long-term growth, helping you move toward a life that feels more balanced and authentic.
With over 15 years of clinical experience, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Many of us carry patterns of thinking that quietly shape the way we respond to stress, relationships, and everyday challenges. In therapy, I work with you to notice those patterns, explore where they may be keeping you stuck, and practice new ways of thinking and responding that support your goals. I focus on making the work practical and actionable, so you can leave each session with strategies you can use right away. Over time, these small shifts in perspective and behavior can add up to meaningful, lasting change.
I also draw from Reality Therapy, which emphasizes the importance of relationships and personal choice. I believe that people thrive when they feel connected, valued, and purposeful, and that disconnection can be at the root of many struggles. In our work together, I’ll help you look at the choices you’re making in your current relationships and life circumstances, and how those choices are impacting your sense of fulfillment. From there, we’ll focus on small, intentional steps you can take to build stronger connections and move closer to the life you want. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in the belief that change is always possible when we focus on what’s within our control.