Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 25 ratings

Amanda Cianci

LCSW, 7 years of experience

Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Virtual
Next available on

About me

I’m a trauma-informed therapist who helps adults heal from anxiety, trauma, burnout, and painful relationship patterns using EMDR therapy and a mind-body approach. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck in cycles of self-doubt, overwhelm, or disconnection- appearing “fine” on the outside while feeling anything but on the inside. My goal is to create a safe, grounding space where you can explore what’s beneath the surface, release what’s been weighing you down, and reconnect with the most authentic version of yourself. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is at the heart of my work. It’s an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer carry the same emotional intensity. Through gentle bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), the mind can integrate painful experiences in a more adaptive way. Clients often describe EMDR as life-changing- it allows healing to occur on a deeper, neurological level, often when talk therapy alone hasn’t been enough. My style is collaborative, intuitive, and compassionate—I’ll meet you exactly where you are, while gently challenging patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we’ll help you feel safe in your body, clear in your mind, and at peace within yourself.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is a chance for you to arrive, exhale, and begin sharing your story at your own pace. We’ll start with a relaxed intake process where I ask about what’s bringing you to therapy, your history, and what you hope to gain from our work together. This is your time to express what’s been most difficult lately- whether that’s anxiety, past trauma, self-esteem struggles, relationship stress, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself. By the end of the session, we’ll have a clear sense of your goals and the path ahead. My approach is gentle but focused: you’ll leave knowing that this is a space where healing is possible, and where you don’t have to face it all alone

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strength as a therapist lies in helping clients feel safe enough to do the deep work required for real healing. I bring a calm, grounded energy to sessions and create space where you can show up exactly as you are without judgment or pressure to perform. Clients often tell me they feel both seen and challenged, supported and stretched. That balance allows growth to unfold naturally and sustainably. My clients describe me as warm, intuitive, and direct when needed. I believe therapy should be collaborative and human—less about fixing and more about reconnecting with who you truly are beneath the pain. Therapy with me isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about building a foundation of emotional safety and resilience that lasts long after our work together ends.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I specialize in working with adults who are ready to heal from trauma, anxiety, people-pleasing, burnout, or painful relationship patterns. Many of my clients have spent years managing symptoms, feeling “functional” but not truly fulfilled. They may have experienced trauma in childhood or adulthood that continues to echo through their self-esteem, boundaries, and relationships. I’m best positioned to serve those who are self-aware and motivated to understand themselves on a deeper level, but who may feel stuck repeating old cycles. Whether it’s overthinking, emotional numbness, or difficulty trusting yourself and others, I help you reconnect with the parts of you that have been silenced or disconnected by pain. Over time, clients notice they can recall difficult memories without feeling triggered, anxious, or overwhelmed. They begin to respond to life with more confidence and calm, rather than old survival patterns. I also integrate mindfulness, CBT, and ACT to support emotional regulation, nervous-system healing, and long-term change. My clients learn how to identify triggers, soothe their bodies, and develop new ways of thinking and relating.

Specialties

Top specialties

AnxietyTrauma and PTSD

Other specialties

AddictionFertility & Reproduction IssuesSelf Esteem

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify, understand, and reframe negative thought patterns that may be fueling anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. CBT focuses on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By recognizing how specific thought patterns impact emotions and actions, clients can learn to challenge and change them, leading to more balanced, constructive responses to life’s challenges.

EMDR

I use EMDR to help clients process and release the impact of distressing experiences, whether they’re major traumas or smaller events that still shape the way they see themselves and the world. EMDR works by identifying and reprocessing the negative core beliefs that become “stuck” in the brain alongside those memories. These beliefs can sound like “I’m not good enough,” “I should have done something,” “I can’t trust myself,” or “I’m helpless.” By reprocessing these old patterns, clients often find that the emotional charge around past experiences decreases and they’re able to see themselves with more compassion, clarity, and balance. This allows them to move forward without feeling weighed down by old hurts or fears, opening space for growth, self-trust, and more fulfilling relationships. Even if you don’t label a past event as “trauma,” if you connect with one of these negative beliefs, EMDR can be a powerful tool for healing.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support you in building psychological flexibility. This involves embracing, rather than avoiding, your emotions and recognizing them as part of the human experience. Together, we focus on accepting challenging emotions and exploring how to engage in actions that align with your values, fostering a sense of purpose and strengthening self-esteem. This approach helps create a healthier relationship with your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to manage anxiety and increase your confidence.

Psychodynamic

I incorporate a psychodynamic approach to help clients understand how unconscious thoughts, past experiences, and unresolved conflicts influence their current behaviors and emotions. This approach emphasizes exploring patterns and dynamics formed early in life that may still impact self-esteem, relationships, and mental well-being. By becoming aware of these deep-rooted patterns, clients gain insights into behaviors or emotions that might feel automatic or difficult to change. In sessions, we might explore recurring themes in the client’s life, such as feelings of inadequacy, attachment styles, or relationship dynamics. By bringing these underlying issues to light, clients can begin to release old emotional burdens, understand themselves on a deeper level, and ultimately develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 25 ratings

2 ratings with written reviews

June 11, 2025

Very easy to talk to. I felt comfortable sharing my issues with Amanda. She actively listened to me and allowed me to express my feelings.

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 1 with Amanda

April 8, 2025

Today's appointment went well. easy to talk to.

Verified client, age 55-64

Review shared after session 1 with Amanda