LPC, 22 years of experience
Hey there! I am Amy McGowan, a Licensed Professional Counselor who holds an advanced certificate as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. I graduated from Lehigh University with a BA in Social Psychology as well as Kutztown University with a Master's in School Counseling. I have been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. I've worked in various settings throughout my career, making my experience diverse. I have spent time in residential and outpatient treatment facilities, community-based programs and school settings where I have supported adults and children. I believe everyone is unique and your experience in therapy should be as well. I will individualize your therapy session and approach our time together with compassionate and genuine care. My goal is help you feel comfortable addressing your experiences and struggles - I am here to walk beside you as we navigate your life together.
I like to refer to our first session together as a meet and greet. I will gather background information about your history, current struggles and goals for treatment. We will review symptoms, coping skills, medical and family history and past treatment history. The goal of our first session is to get to know each other and build the foundation of our therapeutic relationship in trust and unconditional positive regard.
My training has provided me with strong clinical skills in a variety of treatment modalities. This allows me to tailor treatment to meet your needs throughout our time together. However, I know that my own life experiences add depth, empathy and authenticity in helping you feel understood and supported. Together, my knowledge and lived experience make me a compassionate, adaptable and effective therapist who will connect with you on therapeutic and human level.
My past clinical experiences allow me to work with clients struggling with a variety of issues. Typically, my clients experience one or a combination of anxiety, depression, substance use, addiction, family issues, interpersonal conflict and life stressors. Everyone enters therapy at a different place in life and it is my job to meet you where you are at and support you on your journey to creating a happier and healthier life. We will explore all aspects of your life and create treatment goals that are realistic and attainable for you. Our time together should be empowering and motivating for you to create the change you want in life.
I use CBT strategies to help people identify and challenge negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety, depression and addiction. This type of treatment focuses on reframing thoughts, using positive coping skills, breaking cycles of negative thinking and behaviors and identifying relapse prevention skills.
DBT skills are a helpful strategy I often use with clients to address their issues. These skills include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and Wise Mind, all of which are helpful when managing negative mental health symptoms and struggles with addiction.
Motivational interviewing is a common way to help clients assess their commitment and determination towards creating change. I use this technique to help people explore their ambivalence in a supportive and non-judgmental way. This allows clients to process fears, hesitation and obstacles that prevent them from living a life they envision for themselves.
I believe each therapy session should be based in person centered care. This means that every client will always be met with a safe space where they are heard, validated and accepted without judgement. I display empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuineness, which helps people build self-trust and self-acceptance.
Trauma informed care is crucial when helping people manage their anxiety, depression and addictions. I believe this approach helps me recognize how past trauma influences present struggles and ensures therapy feels safe, supportive and empowering for the client.