Hello. Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to read my profile amongst the many that are out there.... With over 20 years of experience as a professional counselor, I've had the privilege of guiding individuals, children to older adult population, through diverse life challenges. I believe in a holistic, client-centered approach that blends traditional therapy with innovative strategies. My passion lies in empowering individuals to discover their strengths and create meaningful change. I understand that each person is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs. My practice is grounded in the belief that true healing comes from discovering your authentic self. I believe that an over reliance on labels can be a source of stress and limit personal growth. I focus on helping you unhook from those external definitions and embrace the present, allowing you to live more freely and authentically. My journey as a therapist has taught me that growth and healing are possible at any age. I'm dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space where you can explore your concerns and develop the tools you need to thrive. I’m not a ‘sit and nod’ therapist, I enjoy a dynamic approach with my clients.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Our initial session marks the beginning of a transformative journey, not just a standard intake. If you're accustomed to a more traditional counseling approach, you might find this first meeting and our sessions a bit different. While we'll certainly gather essential background information, our focus will be on understanding the 'how' and 'why' of your experiences, not just the 'what.' We'll delve deeply into your story, exploring your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in detail to identify the underlying dynamics that influence your life. This deeper dive allows us to create a highly personalized treatment plan that directly addresses your specific needs, moving beyond generalized techniques. By focusing on these core patterns, we can develop an approach that addresses the root causes of your concerns, leading to lasting change rather than temporary fixes. My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, but I also embrace a creative and flexible style. I believe in thinking 'outside the box,' utilizing innovative techniques to help you achieve healing your mind-body-spirit and to discover your unique strengths-talents. I’m not afraid to use creative problem solving, and bring in new techniques that are relevant to my clients. While interning at Mayo Clinic fostered my style where recreational therapy approaches teach individual on how to engage in their hobbies and leisure interests as a means of fostering holistic care as part of their journey to recovery and wellness.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

To see people accomplish what they thought was never possible and carrying messages from people over the years till present of how I have profoundly impacted their life.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I specialize in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Recovery Model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Recreational Therapy, Expressive Therapy and Buddhist Psychology with several other approaches tailored to individual needs. I work with individuals across the lifespan, from emerging adults navigating the complexities of early adulthood to older adults seeking support during later life transitions. I understand the unique challenges faced at each stage of life and provide tailored support to help you thrive. My expertise spans a variety of issues such as anger management, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, behavioral issues, boundary setting, dating and relationship dynamics, decision-making, depression and mood disorders, divorce, grief and loss, LGBTQ+ concerns, self-esteem, self-injury, Substance Use/Co-Occurring Disorders and significant others affected by substance use and mental health issues, maintain recovery, as well as seeking meaning-purpose.

About Amber Konopa