LCSW, 25 years of experience
Dr. Amanda Ramos, DSW, LCSW-QS, CCM, is a highly experienced licensed clinical social worker and certified case manager. She holds a Doctor of Social Work from Barry University and a Master of Social Work from Florida Gulf Coast University. With over two decades in the healthcare industry, Amanda has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate life-altering illnesses. Her leadership skills are evident through her extensive supervisory roles and her mentorship of graduate-level social work interns from various universities. Amanda employs a comprehensive approach to mental health, incorporating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), meditation, and mindfulness to help patients process traumatic memories. She is also a certified HeartMath practitioner and utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and person-centered therapy. Her practice focuses on empowering individuals to manage challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, and grief, ultimately promoting emotional well-being.
The first therapy session is mainly about getting to know each other and setting the stage for your work together. You'll likely start with some paperwork, covering things like consent and your health history. Then, your therapist will ask about why you're seeking therapy now, your background, and your goals. This helps them understand your situation. They'll also explain how therapy works, including confidentiality, session length, and fees. It's a chance for you to see if you feel comfortable and connected with the therapist. You can ask any questions you have. It's completely normal to feel a mix of emotions, from nervous to relieved, during and after your first session. Think of this initial meeting as a dialogue, not an interrogation. You're in charge of what you share and when, and it's perfectly ok to take your time opening up. The main goal is simply to start building a trusting relationship and lay the groundwork for your therapeutic journey.
Empathy and Active Listening: The ability to truly understand and share the feelings of your clients, coupled with excellent listening skills, makes clients feel deeply heard and validated. This is foundational for building trust. Non-Judgmental Stance: Creating a safe and accepting space where clients feel comfortable sharing anything without fear of criticism or judgment is crucial for openness and progress. Patience and Persistence: Therapeutic change often takes time. The capacity to remain patient through slow progress and persistent in supporting clients through challenges is vital.
At the heart of many effective therapeutic journeys, particularly within a person-centered approach, lies the profound importance of the therapeutic alliance between the client and therapist. This isn't just about professional interaction; it's a genuine, empathetic connection built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. When this alliance is strong, it creates a safe and nurturing space where clients feel seen and heard without judgment. This is crucial for reducing deeply ingrained feelings of self-blame and shame. In a truly person-centered relationship, the therapist offers unconditional positive regard, meaning they accept and value the client for who they are, regardless of their past actions or current struggles. This acceptance helps clients internalize a new sense of worth, chipping away at the foundations of self-blame and shame. The client's well-being is paramount within the therapeutic alliance. If a client ever feels disconnected, uncomfortable, or disagrees with the therapist's approach, they are fully empowered to voice their concerns. This provides an opportunity to either address the issue collaboratively with the current therapist or receive a referral to another professional who may be a better fit.
Person-centered therapy excels at building trust through empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. This is the doorway to a successful therapeutic alliance. From this strong foundation, other treatment methods can be explored based on the client's needs, ensuring tailored and effective interventions.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is effective because it directly targets and reprocesses distressing memories, significantly reducing their emotional impact and alleviating symptoms of trauma and related conditions.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is an effective therapy because it helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress, providing practical skills to cope with challenges and improve overall well-being.