Amanda Calderon
Hi, I'm Amanda. I'm glad you're here. I know that beginning therapy can sometimes feel unfamiliar or even a little overwhelming, so I want you to know that this is a space where you can be yourself. My role is to listen, understand your experiences, and work collaboratively with you toward the goals that matter most to you.
Find your strength, build resilience, create change and your journey towards healing begins.
You don't have to have everything figured out before coming here. We can take things at your pace, and we'll work together to determine what support would be most helpful for you.
First session
In the first session, my goal is to help clients feel comfortable, safe, and supported as they begin their therapeutic journey. Clients can expect an opportunity to discuss what brought them to therapy, identify their current concerns, and begin exploring the goals they would like to work toward. I also take time to understand their background, strengths, and existing coping strategies so that we can begin developing an approach that meets their individual needs. By the end of the first session, I want clients to feel heard, validated, and more comfortable with the therapeutic process. My hope is that they leave with a clearer understanding of how therapy can support them, an initial sense of direction, and the reassurance that we will work collaboratively toward their goals, one step at a time.
Strengths
One of the greatest strengths I bring to my sessions is my ability to bring empathy, active listening, patience, and genuine curiosity to understanding each client's unique experiences and perspectives. I strive to meet clients where they are, recognizing that everyone has their own story, challenges, strengths, and pace of growth. Another strength I value is my ability to remain present and grounded, even when conversations are difficult or emotionally challenging. I want clients to feel that they do not have to navigate their struggles alone.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is open to exploring their experiences, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, and working toward meaningful change. I value working with clients who are willing to show up authentically, explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace, and collaborate with me to identify goals that are meaningful to them. I understand that beginning therapy can feel intimidating, and clients do not need to have everything figured out or be ready for change right away. My goal is to meet each client where they are, build a trusting therapeutic relationship, and create a safe, nonjudgmental space where they feel heard, respected, and supported. Ultimately, I enjoy helping clients recognize their strengths, develop healthier coping strategies, and build the confidence and insight needed to create a more fulfilling life.
Treatment methods
Trauma-Focused CBT
I would use Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) with children and adolescents experiencing trauma-related symptoms, such as anxiety, nightmares, emotional distress, avoidance, or difficulty feeling safe. My approach would be recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and designing environments, policies, and interactions to support healing and avoid causing further harm, collaborative, and developmentally appropriate, with an emphasis on establishing trust and helping each client feel supported throughout treatment. Initially, I would evaluate the client's needs, their trauma-related symptoms, current safety, and available support system. I would explain how trauma can affect thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships, while helping the client understand that their reactions may be common responses to overwhelming experiences. As treatment progresses, I would teach practical coping skills, including relaxation, the ability to monitor, evaluate, and modify your emotional reactions to manage intense feelings and respond to life's challenges in healthy ways (emotional regulation), and identifying the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Once the client has developed adequate conscious or unconscious strategies used to manage stress, anxiety, and unpleasant emotions (coping skills). I would help them gradually process their traumatic experiences and address unhelpful beliefs, such as self-blame, guilt, or feelings of helplessness. When appropriate, I would involve a safe, supportive, non-offending caregiver to reinforce coping skills, strengthen communication, and help the client feel supported outside of sessions. I would also work with the client and caregiver to develop strategies for maintaining safety and managing future challenges. Throughout treatment, I would monitor progress, adjust interventions to meet the client's needs, and reinforce the client's strengths and resilience. My ultimate goal would be to reduce an emotional and psychological response to experiencing or witnessing a terrifying, dangerous, or life-threatening event (trauma-related distress), improve emotional regulation, and help clients develop a stronger sense of safety, confidence, and control over their lives.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 164468