The present world can be a beautiful and intriguing place-but when dealing with day to day stressors, trauma histories, or mental health symptoms we tend to lose sight of this. With our never ending priority lists, it's easy to feel like we are a burden when we experience challenges, but I'm honored to hold space for you! I take your trust in me very seriously and am proud of you for taking this step.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
My approach is warm, trauma informed, and empathetic. I utilize an eclectic approach that is based on client need and what has an hasn't worked for them in the past. I use modalities including DBT, CBT, narrative processing, emotion focused, somatic, and trauma focused. Our first session will consist of a thorough assessment of how you are functioning and feeling recently. I will conduct several screenings and discuss how past and current experiences have impacted your mental health. I tend to air on the side of taking my time making a thorough diagnosis because I know how important this is to my clients and the stigma that could be faced with particular diagnoses. Your diagnosis is never a secret and you are always able and encouraged to ask questions here. We will talk about social history including work, school, and family life. We will then set goals for what you would like to pursue working on and get an understanding of what has an hasn't worked for you in the past. We will also determine how we will see progress and what healing truly looks and feels like to you.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I think my greatest strengths as a therapist are my empathy, sense of humor, and ability to encourage autonomy of my clients. I won't suggest things I wouldn't try myself in my personal life. In therapy I won't pretend I have all the answers--I understand that you know yourself best and encourage you to find that inner strength. I think its important to ask for permission when giving more direct guidance because sometimes we just want to be heard. I will sit with you in darker spaces when there isn't a clear cut answer and listen & allow you to feel your emotions fully without judgement or need to change them.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I have particular passion in working with women, LGBTQ populations, and individuals who identify as neurodivergent. My interests are in religious trauma, eating disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. I consider myself to be a Health at Every Size provider and culturally inclusive.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We will look at how thinking influences our emotions that then influence our behaviors. We can identify where these patterns were learned and how to reframe them.
Attachment-based
This is a type of psychotherapy that helps people form secure relationships and overcome the effects of early attachment difficulties. The theory suggests that childhood experiences influence a person's ability to form meaningful connections in adulthood. We will look at how attachment may play a role in your relationships with others and in forming secure attachments.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I consider myself to be culturally sensitive in several ways whether that be religious or non-religious preference, race, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. I encourage my clients to come as they are--whatever that may mean. This is a safe space--which also means I will be aware of how my own privilege may show up in this space.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EMT is a type of psychotherapy that helps people understand and manage their emotions and relationships. EFT is based on the idea that emotions are linked to identity and that connection with others is important for feelings of safety and growth. Often we feel stigma with how we experience emotions and we will unpack these ideas in therapy to get you more comfortable and in tune with your emotions without judgement.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT a type of psychotherapy that helps people learn to manage their emotions and improve their relationships. Some highlights of DBT I like to use are Wise Mind, Mindfulness, and Distress Tolerance interventions.
1 rating with written reviews
May 1, 2025
Amanda and I have been connected in therapy for about 2 years. She is attentive, thoughtful, intelligent, warm, compassionate, and giving of her space and time. I feel relieved after every conversation with her like I've taken something away to brighten my mood or handle a situation better. She is extremely LGBTQ+ friendly too, and that's important for me as a trans woman. Thank you so much, Amanda!!