LCSW, 6 years of experience
Hello! My name is Amaris and I'm happy you're here :) Do you ever feel confused by your behavior? Do you act in ways that are incongruent with who you want to be? Do you struggle with self-doubt and wish you could have more confidence? There are always reasons why people do the things they do. My approach is to help alleviate shame and unnecessary guilt by helping clients understand the “why” behind their emotions and behaviors. I use a trauma-informed approach with all my clients and aim to create an emotionally safe space to explore vulnerable thoughts and feelings. Sometimes personal growth means accepting that you're either going to deal with your stuff, or your stuff is going to deal with you. Therapy is a great place to start the healing process.
The first session is meant to create and establish comfort and emotional safety. There is no formula to follow- the goal is to assess if we are a good fit, take a deeper dive into your background and history, and determine how you'd like therapy to support you moving forward.
I did not pursue this career in order to "save" or "rescue" people, but to gift them with a nonjudgemental, open, and emotionally safe space to outwardly process and experience feeling seen, known, and understood. I offer a non-religious space, making room for whatever belief system you do or don't have. I also highly value diversity and inclusion, making your therapy experience an LGBTQ+, Transgender, and BIPOC safe space.
I enjoy empowering people to be their most authentic self. My clients demonstrate insight and curiosity into their condition, but often struggle with self-doubt, decision-making, emotional regulation, negative thinking patterns, and are seeking the tools to live a more stable and fulfilling life.
This modality is an evidenced based practice I use with clients to prevent and treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and behavioral issues that cause increased distress.
I find that compassion-focused methods of psychotherapy help to address and treat clients who have been exposed to high levels of criticism (whether externally from others or internally from the Self) and excessive shame and guilt.
This approach works best with clients who have the capacity of be self-reflective and want to gain insight into their condition. This approach looks at how the past has shaped your present so you can mindfully engage with the present and move into the future.