Amy Kersten
Hi, I’m Amy. I live in Missouri with my husband, our sweet dog, and two very sassy cats who definitely keep life lively. Being both a military spouse and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker has shaped who I am, both personally and professionally. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals as they navigate life’s transitions, challenges, and seasons of growth. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, and perinatal mental health. My journey into social work began with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska, followed by a master’s degree from the University of Maine. For more than 20 years, I’ve supported people through anxiety, trauma, infertility, grief, and the everyday pressures of life. What I love most about this work is creating a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and accepted while finding your own path forward.
One of my strengths is helping clients explore and make sense of patterns, thoughts, and behaviors that may have once served a purpose but now feel limiting or exhausting.
At the heart of my approach is the belief that you are not broken and don’t need to be “fixed.” Healing is possible, and resilience can grow even in the most difficult circumstances. Whether we’re working through painful past experiences, navigating anxiety and perfectionism, or adjusting to a major life transition, my goal is to help you develop greater self-compassion, reconnect with what matters to you, and create a life that feels meaningful and authentic. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I believe your experiences, goals, and readiness should guide our work together. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. We can start where you are and take it one step at a time. If you’d like to learn more about me and the work I do, visit https://kerstenlcsw.com/.
First session
In our first session, we’ll take the time to really get to know each other and begin laying the foundation for our work together. This is your space, and my role is to meet you where you are. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy and what you’re hoping for, and we’ll also explore some of your background—experiences, relationships, and patterns that may have shaped how you relate to yourself and others. This can include family history, life transitions, or recurring challenges that feel hard to shift. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have—about me, the therapy process, or what to expect moving forward. There’s no rush and no pressure; our pace will always be guided by your comfort and readiness. Together, we’ll start to clarify what matters most to you—your goals, your values, and what support looks like for you right now. From there, we can begin crafting a path forward that feels collaborative, meaningful, and aligned with your unique needs and priorities. I deeply believe that healing grows out of a safe, trusting relationship. My role is to walk alongside you with curiosity, compassion, and care, supporting you as you navigate challenges, discover insights, and take steps toward the life you want to build. This journey is yours, and we’ll take it one thoughtful, intentional step at a time.
Strengths
I bring warmth, compassion, and a deep commitment to creating a safe, supportive space for my clients. I’m skilled at helping people navigate life’s challenges—whether it’s feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about where to begin—by offering perspective, empathy, and practical guidance. One of my strengths is helping clients explore and make sense of patterns, thoughts, and behaviors that may have once served a purpose but now feel limiting or exhausting. I guide this process gently, helping people uncover the emotions, beliefs, and past experiences that influence how they relate to themselves and others. I’m particularly attuned to recognizing patterns like overthinking, perfectionism, or people-pleasing, and I help clients create space to reconnect with their own needs, strengths, and values. I excel at balancing validation with insight, helping clients feel heard and understood while also exploring meaningful shifts that promote growth and resilience. Building strong, trusting relationships is at the core of my work. I prioritize creating an environment where clients feel seen, valued, and respected exactly as they are. I believe healing and growth are possible when clients feel safe and supported, and I work collaboratively to help them rediscover their inner wisdom, build self-compassion, and take steps toward a life that feels authentic and grounded. Above all, my strength lies in walking alongside clients with curiosity, patience, and care—guiding them one step at a time as they navigate challenges, embrace change, and move toward greater clarity, balance, and well-being.
Ideal clients
Life can feel really heavy sometimes. You might find yourself lying awake at night, your mind spinning through endless to-do lists, replaying conversations, or worrying about everything that didn’t get done—and everything still waiting for you tomorrow. Maybe you feel stuck in your thoughts, caught in the cycle of “what ifs,” frozen by overwhelm, or weighed down by the pressure to keep it all together. It can feel especially hard when the stress starts spilling into every part of your life. Maybe work feels overwhelming, and no matter how much you do, it never feels like enough. Perhaps you find yourself worrying that you’re falling short in the roles that matter most to you—whether that’s as a parent, a partner, a friend, or simply as yourself. And then there’s that inner critic—the voice that whispers (or shouts) that you’re not “good enough,” no matter how hard you try. Sometimes that pressure shows up as perfectionism, people-pleasing, or a constant need to hold things together for everyone else. You might say “yes” when your whole body is begging you to say “no.” You might smooth things over to avoid conflict or push your own needs to the side to keep the peace. These patterns often start as ways to cope, to stay safe, or to make it through difficult seasons—but over time, they can leave you feeling drained, disconnected, and unsure of who you really are or what you truly need. If any of this feels familiar, please know you’re not alone. So many people carry these struggles quietly, believing they should just push through. But you don’t have to carry it all by yourself anymore. This can be a space to set some of that weight down. A space to pause, to breathe, and to begin gently reconnecting—with yourself, with your needs, and with a sense of calm that may feel out of reach right now but is still very much possible. Together, we can explore what it looks like to care for others without losing sight of yourself, to step out of old patterns that no longer serve you, and to find a way forward that feels authentic, grounded, and sustainable.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you build a more meaningful life by learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them. Instead of trying to "fix" or avoid discomfort, ACT supports you in becoming more present, clarifying what truly matters to you, and taking steps aligned with your values—even in the face of challenges.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, evidence-based approach that helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By identifying unhelpful patterns and learning new ways of thinking, CBT empowers you to manage anxiety, depression, and other challenges more effectively. It’s focused on building skills you can use in everyday life.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps people recover from trauma by identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts related to their experiences. Through guided exercises, CPT supports you in understanding how trauma has affected your beliefs, reducing distress, and fostering healthier ways of thinking and living.
Location
Virtual sessions