Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, loss of self, or overwhelming emotions? Do you feel like there's no light at the end of the tunnel? I believe change is possible, and there is always hope. Together, we'll work to manage negative thoughts and behaviors, helping you develop healthier responses to life's challenges and create a brighter, more fulfilling future. As a mental health counselor, I specialize in helping individuals navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, loss of identity, and overwhelming emotions that can affect daily life. If you’ve ever felt like there’s no way out of your struggles or wondered if life could be better, I want you to know that change is possible and there is always hope. Together, we can address negative patterns of thinking and behaviors while developing healthier responses to life’s challenges. I am a certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) therapist, offering a combination of mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal skills, and distress tolerance to empower you in managing life’s obstacles. As a certified Grief-Informed Professional (CGP), I also provide compassionate support to help you heal, cope, and find meaning through the grieving process. My goal is to help you build a life worth living—one that is fulfilling and grounded in emotional well-being. If you’re ready to take the first step toward change, call me today for a free consultation. Let’s work together to create the life you deserve.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, you can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where we will take the time to get to know each other. This initial meeting is an important opportunity for me to gather a comprehensive understanding of your unique situation. We will spend time discussing the history of any symptoms or behaviors you’ve been experiencing, as well as exploring your past experiences. This background information will help me to better understand the factors that may be influencing your well-being at this time. Our conversation will also include a thorough review of your goals and any challenges you may be facing. I believe that by working together to understand your individual circumstances, we can begin to identify key areas of focus for your treatment. This first session is not just about gathering information; it's also an opportunity for us to build trust and ensure that we feel comfortable moving forward together. By the end of our first meeting, we will have a clearer picture of your needs, which will allow us to tailor the treatment plan specifically to you. I will offer recommendations based on what we’ve discussed, and together we will create a plan for our future sessions. This plan will be flexible and adaptive to ensure that as we work together, your treatment evolves in a way that aligns with your goals and progress. Ultimately, our first session is about setting the foundation for a productive and supportive partnership, and I’m committed to ensuring that you feel heard, understood, and empowered as we move forward in your journey.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a mental health counselor, I have developed a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health through years of experience and extensive training. My work has allowed me to help individuals navigate some of life’s most challenging conditions, including Personality Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, grief, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Through these experiences, I’ve identified several strengths that I believe have been crucial to my effectiveness in helping clients work through these conditions. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to build genuine, empathetic relationships with my clients. I firmly believe that a strong therapeutic alliance is the foundation of successful counseling. The trust and rapport I establish with my clients allows them to feel safe enough to open up and confront the difficult emotions they might be experiencing. I strive to meet clients where they are, offering validation and understanding without judgment. This approach helps foster an environment where clients feel heard and supported, making it easier for them to engage in the therapeutic process. Another strength is my specialized knowledge in treating a variety of mental health conditions. With specific training in working with individuals with Personality Disorders, I have gained a nuanced understanding of the challenges these individuals face, both in terms of emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. I use this understanding to tailor interventions that are not only practical but also compassionate and collaborative. For clients dealing with Bipolar Disorder, I leverage my experience to offer coping strategies during both manic and depressive episodes, helping them regain stability in their lives. As a certified DBT therapist, I am trained in providing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which has been particularly effective in treating clients with emotional regulation difficulties, such as those with Borderline Personality Disorder. DBT emphasizes the importance of balancing acceptance with change, and I use this approach to help clients develop more effective coping skills, improve their interpersonal relationships, and manage overwhelming emotions. Through individual and group therapy, I’ve seen firsthand the powerful impact DBT can have on clients, enabling them to develop greater emotional resilience and stability.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am best positioned to serve clients who are motivated to improve their lives but are struggling to find the tools or strategies to make meaningful progress. These individuals often experience feelings of being stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by their symptoms, whether that involves emotional pain, mental health challenges, or relational difficulties. Many of my clients feel as though they are caught in a cycle of struggle, where they know they want change but feel powerless to break free on their own. They may have tried various methods to improve their mental health but haven't found an approach that truly resonates or brings lasting relief. I specialize in working with individuals facing a variety of mental health concerns, including personality disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and grief. Additionally, I work with clients who are navigating complex relationship and interpersonal issues. Whether struggling with conflict in their relationships or managing the impact of past traumas, these clients seek clarity, support, and strategies to restore balance and well-being. I am drawn to working with clients who are committed to personal growth and are open to exploring their emotions, behaviors, and beliefs in a deeper way. Together, we work on building tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience. I help my clients gain insight into the root causes of their struggles, identify patterns that have been holding them back, and develop healthier ways of coping and engaging with themselves and others. For me, the most rewarding aspect of therapy is helping clients unlock their inner strength, regain a sense of control, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. I thrive when working with individuals who are ready for change, even if they are unsure about how to initiate that transformation. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their vulnerabilities and fears, and together, we identify a path forward. My approach is client-centered, compassionate, and collaborative. I believe that every person can heal and grow, and with the right tools and support, anyone can move beyond the challenges they are facing when they are ready to create that change. Whether a client is navigating mental health issues or relationship difficulties, I am here to walk alongside you in your journey toward healing and personal empowerment. I recognize that each person's journey
About Amanda Miller-Hodges
Amanda Miller-Hodges offers therapy covered by UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Florida.
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Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
As a certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) therapist with over six years of experience working with individuals and groups, I have had the privilege of guiding clients toward more balanced, effective, and fulfilling lives. DBT, a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, has proven to be an invaluable tool in treating emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Through my practice, I’ve come to recognize that DBT is not just a treatment approach but a philosophy and skill set that can transform how individuals respond to the challenges and complexities of life. DBT is grounded in the belief that individuals can change, but it requires a dialectical approach—balancing acceptance with change. The therapy focuses on helping clients to develop skills in four core areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Each of these components serves a specific purpose in assisting clients to manage overwhelming emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve their relationships with others. Mindfulness is the first and foundational skill in DBT. It involves paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way. Mindfulness allows clients to step out of autopilot mode and become aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This awareness is crucial in the process of change because it empowers individuals to observe their reactions rather than being driven by them. In my practice, I guide clients in developing mindfulness techniques such as observing thoughts and emotions without judgment, describing experiences in neutral terms, and participating fully in the moment. Through consistent mindfulness practice, clients can gain greater insight into their emotional patterns, which enables them to make more intentional and thoughtful choices. The second skill set, distress tolerance, is particularly important for individuals who struggle with intense emotional reactions. When faced with overwhelming feelings or challenging situations, distress tolerance skills help clients tolerate the discomfort without resorting to harmful behaviors. These skills include techniques such as self-soothing, distraction, and radical acceptance. I teach clients how to effectively manage emotional crises by utilizing these coping strategies in a way that allows them to endure difficult moments without making impulsive decisions. The focus is on helping clients understand that distress is temporary, and while they may not be able to change the situation immediately, they can learn to manage their emotional responses in a healthier way. Emotion regulation is another central focus of DBT. This area of treatment aims to help individuals understand and manage their emotions in a more balanced manner. Many of the clients I work with struggle with intense, fluctuating emotions that feel unmanageable. Through DBT, I help them identify and label their emotions, understand the underlying causes, and learn strategies to reduce emotional vulnerability. Clients are taught to recognize the physical sensations that accompany emotions, which allows them to catch emotional escalations early and employ skills to regulate them before they reach a crisis point. I also emphasize the importance of practicing self-care and adopting healthy lifestyle habits that contribute to emotional stability. Emotion regulation skills enable clients to maintain a sense of control and navigate life’s ups and downs with greater resilience. The fourth area of DBT, interpersonal effectiveness, focuses on helping clients improve their relationships with others. Many individuals I see in therapy struggle with communication, setting boundaries, or navigating conflicts. DBT offers practical tools for strengthening interpersonal skills by teaching clients how to assert their needs and desires while also being mindful of others. This involves learning to balance the need for validation with the need for self-respect, as well as how to negotiate, ask for help, and handle criticism constructively. In my work, I help clients develop assertiveness and interpersonal strategies that lead to more meaningful, respectful, and fulfilling relationships. The goal is for clients to feel confident in expressing themselves and handling interpersonal challenges in a way that is healthy and productive. Throughout my experience as a DBT therapist, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that these skills can have on individuals’ lives. I approach each client’s treatment with empathy and an understanding that change is a gradual and non-linear process. DBT’s structured approach, which includes both individual therapy and group skills training, is highly effective in providing clients with the tools they need to address the emotional, behavioral, and relational issues that have long held them back. I offer a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and validated while also being challenged to grow and develop in meaningful ways. In addition to teaching skills, DBT emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship itself. I strive to build a collaborative, trusting alliance with each client so that they feel comfortable exploring difficult emotions and experiences. I use a combination of validation and encouragement to empower clients, helping them recognize their strengths and capacity for change. In my work, I incorporate both acceptance and active problem-solving, which aligns with DBT’s dialectical framework. This approach encourages clients to find balance between self-compassion and striving for growth, which can often feel like conflicting ideas. Another key aspect of DBT that I find valuable in my practice is its focus on commitment to treatment. DBT encourages clients to remain engaged in therapy even when it feels difficult or uncomfortable. I work closely with clients to identify their personal goals and the reasons they want to pursue change, which helps them stay motivated when faced with setbacks. This commitment is essential for progress, as the skills learned in DBT require practice and reinforcement in real-world situations. Ultimately, the goal of DBT is to help clients create a life that is worth living—a life that is meaningful and fulfilling, despite the challenges they face. My role as a DBT therapist is to guide clients toward this goal by helping them develop the skills and insight needed to navigate their emotions and relationships with greater ease and confidence. While the path to a life worth living may not always be straightforward, DBT offers a clear, structured, and compassionate approach to supporting individuals in their journey. DBT has been instrumental in my work as a therapist, and I am continually inspired by the resilience and growth I witness in my clients. By teaching essential skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, I help individuals manage their emotions and behaviors in ways that lead to more positive outcomes. Through a combination of validation, skill-building, and ongoing support, DBT empowers clients to make lasting changes and create lives that are rich with purpose and meaning.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) strategies in my work with clients. ACT is an evidence-based approach that encourages individuals to embrace their thoughts and emotions, rather than struggle against them. By promoting psychological flexibility, ACT enables clients to live more fully in the present moment, accept the full spectrum of their experiences, and move forward in ways that align with their values and long-term goals. One of the core tenets of ACT is mindfulness, which involves staying present and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment. Many people become so overwhelmed by their emotions or consumed by negative thinking that they disconnect from the present moment, focusing only on the past or future. In my practice, I coach clients to bring attention to their current experiences without becoming entangled in them. Whether they are feeling anxious, sad, or frustrated, the key is not to push those feelings away, but to allow them to be present while acknowledging they do not define who we are or our ability to move forward. I begin by teaching clients simple mindfulness exercises, such as focused breathing or body scans, to anchor them in the present. These techniques help them become more aware of the present moment and create space between themselves and their thoughts. This space allows individuals to observe their emotions without automatically reacting or letting those emotions dictate their actions. For example, a client who experiences anxiety might initially feel that anxiety controls them, leading to avoidance or overthinking. Using ACT techniques, we focus on acknowledging the anxiety and exploring how it affects their thoughts and behaviors, but we don't let it define them. This awareness allows the client to begin making choices that align with their values rather than reacting out of fear. Another essential component of ACT is the practice of acceptance. Often, individuals in distress struggle with the idea of accepting their emotions or thoughts because they perceive them as problems to be fixed. The reality is that we cannot always control what we think or feel, but we can control how we respond. I work with my clients to help them accept their difficult thoughts and emotions without judgment or resistance. Through acceptance, they can stop fighting their inner experiences, which ultimately frees up emotional energy to move forward in life. For example, a client who is grieving the loss of a loved one might feel intense sadness, anger, and guilt. In these moments, we could work together to acknowledge these feelings without attempting to suppress them or label them as “bad” or “unhelpful.” By accepting their emotions, the client can make room for healing and growth, allowing themselves to experience their grief fully, while also recognizing that it does not need to overwhelm them indefinitely. A significant part of ACT is the concept of cognitive defusion, which teaches individuals to distance themselves from their thoughts. Too often, we identify so closely with our thoughts that we believe they are absolute truths. For example, a person might think, “I’m a failure” when they make a mistake, and that thought becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. In my work, I encourage clients to see their thoughts as just thoughts—temporary and not necessarily reflective of reality. Cognitive defusion techniques, such as observing thoughts without judgment or repeating them in a silly voice, can help clients realize that their thoughts are not commands that must be followed. This allows clients to step back and choose how they respond to their thoughts, instead of automatically reacting. I also emphasize the importance of identifying values in ACT. One of the most empowering aspects of this approach is that it encourages clients to reconnect with what matters most to them. By clarifying their core values—such as relationships, creativity, or health—clients gain a sense of direction and purpose. Once values are identified, we can work together to create goals and actionable steps that align with those values. This process enables clients to take meaningful action, even in the face of difficult emotions, rather than feeling stuck or hopeless. For instance, if a client is struggling with depression and feels disconnected from others, we would explore their values related to relationships. Perhaps they value connection and intimacy but feel too overwhelmed to reach out. Through ACT, I would guide them to explore how they could take small steps toward connection, even if they don’t feel motivated or “ready.” The focus isn’t on eliminating the depression, but on finding ways to live a life consistent with their values despite it. This approach empowers clients to focus on what they can control and move forward in their healing journey. In my practice, I also use metaphors frequently, as ACT utilizes them to simplify complex concepts and make them more accessible. A metaphor that I often use is the “passenger on the bus” metaphor, where the client imagines themselves as the driver of a bus, and their difficult thoughts and emotions as passengers. The goal is not to kick the passengers off the bus, but to allow them to be there without letting them take control of the direction of the bus. This metaphor has helped many of my clients understand that they can still live a meaningful life, even with the presence of challenging emotions. Throughout my experience with ACT, I have found that it is an incredibly effective approach for helping clients heal and grow. It allows them to develop a new relationship with their emotions and thoughts, so they can break free from the cycle of avoidance and unproductive thinking. By incorporating mindfulness, acceptance, cognitive defusion, and values-based action, I support clients in becoming more psychologically flexible and empowered in their lives. Ultimately, ACT teaches us that suffering is a natural part of the human experience, but that it doesn’t have to control us. My goal as a coach and therapist is to walk alongside my clients, helping them build the skills they need to live in alignment with their values, even in the face of adversity. By focusing on what truly matters and accepting the full range of human experiences, clients can move forward with a sense of purpose, peace, and resilience.
Grief Therapy
I am a Certified Grief Professional. I utilize the 5 stages of grief and loss identified by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, to assist my clients' feelings of grief as "normal", allowing for and assisting them in their grief journey. Then when my client's are ready we work towards "finding meaning" where you can begin moving forward in a meaningful ways, despite your loss.