I’m currently living in Missouri with my wonderful husband, our lovable dog, and two very sassy cats. As a military spouse and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families through life’s many challenges. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Alaska and went on to complete my Master of Social Work at the University of Maine. With over 20 years of experience as a therapist, I’m passionate about helping others find healing, growth, and resilience.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, we’ll take the time to get to know each other and begin building the foundation for our work together. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and explore some of your background—including experiences that may have shaped how you relate to yourself and others. This might include family history, life transitions, or patterns you’ve noticed that feel hard to shift. This is also a space 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 begin to identify what matters most to you—your goals, your hopes, and what support looks like for you right now. From there, we’ll create a path forward that feels meaningful, collaborative, and rooted in your unique needs. I deeply believe that healing begins in the context of a safe and trusting relationship. My role is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and care—as we begin this journey together, one step at a time.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I'm here to walk alongside you through the hard moments—to offer support, perspective, and space as you navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of where to begin, you don’t have to face it all on your own. My goal is to help you explore and make sense of the thoughts, patterns, and behaviors that may have once served a purpose, but are now holding you back or keeping you feeling disconnected from the life you truly want. Together, we’ll gently explore what’s going on beneath the surface—the emotions, beliefs, and past experiences that might be influencing how you see yourself and interact with the world. We’ll take time to understand what’s helping, what’s getting in the way, and what meaningful shifts might allow you to feel more grounded, authentic, and whole. I believe that healing and growth are possible when you feel safe, supported, and truly understood. That’s why I prioritize building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship—one where you feel seen, heard, and valued exactly as you are. This isn’t about fixing you—because you’re not broken. It’s about creating a space where you can reconnect with your strengths, rediscover your inner wisdom, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and self-compassion.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Life can feel heavy sometimes. You might find yourself lying awake at night, your mind racing—running through endless to-do lists, worrying about what you didn’t get done, or what tomorrow might bring. Maybe you feel stuck in your thoughts, frozen by overwhelm, or weighed down by the pressure to keep everything together. Perhaps you’re struggling at work, feeling like you’re falling short, or worrying that you’re not showing up the way you want to—as a parent, a partner, a friend. You may hear that inner voice constantly reminding you that you’re not “good enough,” no matter how hard you try. Do you find yourself striving to be perfect, always smoothing things over, or saying yes when every part of you wants to say no? It’s so easy to slip into patterns of overthinking, people-pleasing, and putting everyone else’s needs ahead of your own. These habits may have helped you cope or stay safe in the past, but over time, they can leave you feeling drained, disconnected, and unsure of what you really need. If any of this resonates with you—you’re not alone. And you’re in the right place. This can be a space to slow down, tune in, and begin to reconnect—with yourself, your needs, and your sense of calm.

About Amy Kersten