I'm Amanda Stoner, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Danville, California, serving clients statewide through telehealth. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults, addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, motivation, ADHD, and executive functioning. My expertise extends to relationship challenges, separation, divorce, and co-parenting. With extensive knowledge of school and special education systems, including IEP and 504 supports, I'm well-equipped to help families navigate these complexities. My background includes a B.A. in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, giving me a strong foundation in human motivation and systems, and a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and School Counseling, fueling my passion for supporting adolescents and young adults as they navigate the challenges of growth and development.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session, we'll spend some time getting acquainted. You can share what's bringing you to therapy and what your goals are. We'll also talk a bit about how I work and I'll answer any questions you might have about therapy in general or my approach specifically. It's really about making sure we're a good fit to work together, and I want you to feel as comfortable as possible sharing what's on your mind
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a provider lie in my ability to create a safe, supportive, and client-centered environment where my clients feel truly comfortable sharing their challenges, thoughts, and feelings without judgment. I believe my reflective, empathetic, and non-judgmental communication style helps ensure their emotions and experiences are validated. I strongly believe my clients are the experts on their own lives, and I see my role as a partner, working collaboratively with them to explore, brainstorm, guide, and coach them toward achieving their goals. Ultimately, I am dedicated to helping my clients become the best versions of themselves within a relaxed and supportive space.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I'm passionate about supporting both adolescents and adults as they navigate life's complexities. For adolescents, I offer a safe and supportive space to address issues like academic stress, peer relationships, identity development, and family dynamics. For adults, I provide therapy for concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, work-related stress, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
About Amanda Stoner
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I work collaboratively with teens and adults to understand and change the complex interplay of thoughts, feelings, and actions. Together, we'll explore the connections between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, identifying the root causes of your distress. I'll guide you in developing practical, personalized strategies for managing these challenges, fostering greater self-awareness and empowering you to create lasting positive change in your life.
Humanistic
In my collaborative work with teens and adults, I utilize humanistic principles to create a supportive and non-judgmental space for exploring authentic selves. Believing in your inherent capacity for growth, we'll identify obstacles hindering your journey toward self-actualization. This client-centered approach emphasizes your unique experiences, empowering you to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Together, we'll work towards realizing your full potential and creating positive change.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
You have the ability to create positive change. My collaborative approach empowers teens and adults to discover their inner strengths and achieve their goals through Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). With extensive experience in SFBT, I guide clients in developing practical strategies, emphasizing hope and optimism while focusing on what works well to create lasting results. For teens, this might involve exploring strengths and using relatable language to address challenges like social anxiety or academic pressure, such as identifying strategies for building stronger friendships. For adults, I address concerns like work stress or relationship issues, focusing on practical solutions and manageable steps toward their goals. I'm passionate about empowering clients to live fulfilling lives.
Motivational Interviewing
The process of positive change is facilitated by Motivational Interviewing (MI) in my work with teens and adults, where we discover and strengthen their own internal drive for positive change. This client-centered approach focuses on identifying your personal goals, understanding and working through any ambivalence you might be experiencing, and creating strategies that reflect what truly matters to you. MI puts you in the driver's seat, empowering you to make informed decisions and guide your own path towards lasting change.
Psychodynamic
Teens and adults can find healing and growth through psychodynamic therapy, which explores the unconscious patterns influencing their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, within a strong therapeutic relationship. Through collaborative exploration of past experiences and relationships, we understand how they contribute to present challenges, addressing concerns like anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. This process of self-discovery empowers clients to gain deeper insights, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and create lasting positive change by identifying root causes. Together, we examine how past experiences shape current emotional well-being, fostering self-awareness and promoting long-term healing.