I can help you break free from the fears, anxieties, and past traumas that are holding you back from living your fullest life. Led by a compassionate, experienced Therapist who’s both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Wellness Coach. I believe in dialing in the basic fundamentals of life such as proper sleep, nutrition, exercise, connection, and occupation to address mental well-being. As a Combat Veteran of the United States Army, I bring a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by military personnel, families and Veterans. I know how difficult it can be to adjust to life’s transitions, whether they stem from military service or other significant life changes. With strong dedication to serving those who have served our communities, I offer a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to my practice. Whether you're navigating personal struggles, life transitions, or childhood issues, I am here to support you with the tools and care you deserve. Let’s work together to create the mental wellness and success you’ve been striving for.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In your first session, you can expect a warm, open conversation where we focus on building a genuine connection. The goal is to create a safe space where you can share what's on your mind, whether that’s past challenges, current struggles, or anything else that’s affecting your well-being. We’ll talk about your goals for therapy and explore how I can best support you moving forward. I’ll listen closely, ask questions to understand your story, and together we’ll begin to map out a path toward healing and growth. Think of it as the start of a partnership—one where you're not just a client, but a person I’m here to support. By the end of the session, you’ll have a sense of direction, and you’ll know that we’re in this together, ready to tackle what’s ahead.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe my greatest strengths lie in my ability to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can feel truly heard and understood. My approach is collaborative, meaning I work alongside you, not just as a Therapist, but as a partner in your healing journey. I bring a blend compassion, patience, and practical tools to each session—whether we’re addressing deep-rooted trauma, anxiety, or life’s transitions. I also have a strong commitment to ongoing learning, which means I’m always refining my approach to ensure you’re getting the best, most effective care. Above all, I’m passionate about helping people feel empowered to move forward with confidence and clarity, knowing they have someone who genuinely cares about their well-being.
About Amanda Dodd
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach originally developed to treat trauma, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and body-focused approaches while also utilizing a unique element—bilateral stimulation (often in the form of guided eye movements) to help process traumatic memories. The goal of EMDR is to help individuals process and "reprogram" distressing memories or negative beliefs, allowing them to resolve emotional pain and function more healthily in their present lives. The American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the World Health Organization among many other national and international organizations recognize EMDR therapy as an effective treatment.
Trauma-Focused CBT
In my work treating PTSD, I’ve had the opportunity to use Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) as a therapeutic approach. TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment specifically designed to address the effects of trauma, and it builds on the core principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). At its core, TF-CBT focuses on understanding the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how traumatic experiences can disrupt these processes. It helps individuals identify and reframe negative or distorted thought patterns that stem from trauma, which in turn leads to a reduction in distressing symptoms and promotes healthier behaviors. ### Applying TF-CBT with Veterans and First Responders When I work with clients using TF-CBT, I start by helping them understand how traumatic experiences have affected their thinking and behavior. For example, an individual who has survived an extremely dangerous experience may develop the belief that "the world is dangerous" or that "I'm not safe anywhere." Similarly, another person who has witnessed extreme violence may internalize thoughts like "I should have done more" or "I'm not worthy of help." These beliefs often drive emotional reactions—such as anxiety, guilt, and anger—that can lead to avoidance (e.g., avoiding social situations, staying away from work) and unhelpful behaviors (e.g., substance use, emotional withdrawal). TF-CBT and the Fundamentals of Life TF-CBT doesn’t just help reduce trauma symptoms—it can also promote overall life improvement, including in areas like sleep, nutrition, exercise, relationships, and work-life balance. By addressing the negative thought patterns and emotional responses that contribute to PTSD, clients often find that these other areas of their life improve as well. 1. Sleep: Trauma often leads to significant sleep disturbances—nightmares, insomnia, or hypervigilance. Through TF-CBT, as clients begin to challenge trauma-related thoughts, they often experience a reduction in nighttime anxiety, making it easier to sleep. I help them develop sleep hygiene practices—such as creating a calming bedtime routine and reframing thoughts around sleep (e.g., "I am safe and I can relax now"). 2. Nutrition: Chronic stress and trauma can lead to unhealthy eating habits, whether through emotional eating, lack of appetite, or poor dietary choices. As clients work through their trauma and begin to regulate their emotions, they also often experience improvements in self-care, including nutrition. TF-CBT helps them recognize and address negative patterns that contribute to unhealthy eating, encouraging them to adopt healthier habits that promote overall well-being. 3. Exercise: Exercise is a powerful tool for improving mood and reducing anxiety, and TF-CBT can help clients develop the mental resilience to engage in regular physical activity. As they process trauma and build confidence in their ability to manage their emotions, many veterans and first responders begin to re-engage with physical exercise as a positive outlet for stress relief, energy release, and overall health. 4. Connection (Relationships): PTSD often leads to social withdrawal and difficulty with intimacy or trust. Through TF-CBT, clients work on processing trauma-related beliefs that interfere with relationships. For example, they may learn to challenge the belief that "no one understands me" or "I’m better off alone." As these beliefs shift, they start to reconnect with family, friends, and peers. I also incorporate communication skills and conflict resolution strategies into therapy to support healthier relationships. 5. Occupation (Work-Life Balance): Many Veterans and First Responders struggle with occupational stress due to the emotional and psychological toll their jobs take on them. TF-CBT can help them reframe work-related beliefs—such as “I can’t handle this job” or “I’ll never be good enough”—and develop healthier ways to manage work stress. By addressing trauma’s impact on their emotions and cognition, clients often regain a sense of control over their work lives, making it easier to maintain a healthier work-life balance and find career satisfaction.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
In my experience with Mindfulness-Based Therapy, I've seen how incredibly effective it can be in treating both Anxiety and Mood Disorders. This treatment method focuses on helping individuals become more present in the moment—without judgment or overwhelm. Given the fast-paced, stress-filled world we live in today, where many of us are juggling work, family, social media, and constantly racing thoughts, mindfulness can be a game-changer in regaining control over our mental and emotional well-being. What is Mindfulness-Based Therapy? At its core, Mindfulness-Based Therapy encourages individuals to pay attention to their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in a non-reactive, non-judgmental way. Rather than getting caught up in worries about the future or ruminating on the past, mindfulness helps people become fully present in the moment. It’s not about emptying the mind or "escaping" from reality, but rather about learning how to observe your thoughts and feelings without letting them take control. In therapy, Mindfulness is often paired with other therapeutic approaches to treat conditions like Anxiety and Mood Disorders. The idea is to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with their thoughts and emotions, rather than feeling overwhelmed or controlled by them. How I Use Mindfulness in My Practice When working with clients who struggle with Anxiety and Mood Disorders, I integrate mindfulness techniques into therapy to help them slow down, focus on the present, and reduce mental clutter. Here's how I typically apply mindfulness-based therapy to these common mental health challenges: 1. Managing Anxiety Anxiety often involves excessive worry about the future—whether it’s work, health, relationships, or any number of other stressors. People who struggle with symptoms of Anxiety can feel like they’re constantly anticipating problems that may never happen, creating a sense of being trapped in a cycle of stress and fear. In these cases, Mindfulness can be a powerful tool to INTERRUPT the cycle of worry. I guide clients through simple mindfulness exercises that encourage them to focus on their breath, become aware of their surroundings, or even notice the sensations in their body. These exercises help ground them in the present moment, which can calm the anxious mind and reduce the intensity of anxious thoughts. For example, if someone is feeling anxious about an upcoming meeting or event, I might have them practice a mindful breathing exercise before the event. The goal isn’t to make the anxiety disappear completely, but to help them create space between themselves and their anxiety. They learn to recognize anxiety as a natural feeling that doesn’t need to dictate their behavior or experience. By practicing mindfulness, they can observe the anxiety without getting consumed by it. 2. Managing Mood Disorders Mood disorders encompass a variety of emotional conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, and emotional dysregulation. One of the key features of mood disorders is the way individuals experience intense fluctuations in mood—sometimes feeling down or hopeless, and other times feeling overly energetic or irritable. These shifts can feel out of control, overwhelming, and often interfere with day-to-day functioning. Mindfulness helps people with mood disorders by encouraging them to observe their emotions without getting swept away by them. Rather than acting on the impulse to retreat into sadness or overact on elevated mood states, mindfulness helps individuals develop a more balanced response to their emotional experiences. For instance, when someone is experiencing a period of "low mood," mindfulness can help them identify the feeling without getting trapped in negative thinking, such as “I’ll never feel better” or “I can’t handle this” or "I totally suck". Instead of focusing on the future or ruminating on past struggles, mindfulness practice encourages them to be fully present with their feelings in the moment—recognizing that mood states, like all experiences, are temporary. When clients experience "big emotions" - heightened mood or emotional intensity, mindfulness allows them to notice the physical sensations or thoughts associated with those emotional peaks, without reacting impulsively. By pausing, taking a breath, and observing these feelings with curiosity rather than judgment, individuals can gain more control over their responses, which helps regulate mood over time. 3. Bringing Mindfulness Into Everyday Life One of the best things about mindfulness is that it can be practiced in everyday moments, not just in the therapy room. I encourage my clients to integrate mindfulness into their daily routine, whether they’re having a conversation, walking, eating, or even doing household chores. By being present in those moments, they can start to break the habit of mind-wandering —which is a huge part of both anxiety and mood disorders. For instance, when a client is feeling overwhelmed by work, I might suggest they take a few minutes throughout the day to pause, breathe, and re-center themselves. Even something as simple as noticing the sensation of their feet on the ground or paying attention to their breathing can shift their mental state. Over time, this practice helps them feel more grounded, less reactive, and more able to handle stressful situations with clarity and calm. Mindfulness also encourages acceptance of life’s ups and downs. For example, if a person experiences a setback—whether it’s a difficult conversation with a partner or a challenging day at work—they learn to accept that discomfort is a natural part of life, rather than something to be avoided or feared. This mindset shift can be incredibly liberating for people struggling with anxiety and mood disorders. our overall well-being. Mindfulness-Based Therapy has been an incredibly valuable tool in my practice, particularly for clients dealing with anxiety and mood disorders. It helps individuals shift their relationship with their thoughts and emotions, allowing them to respond to life’s challenges with greater calm and clarity. In today’s world, where many of us feel overwhelmed by our responsibilities and the constant noise of modern life, mindfulness provides a simple yet powerful way to find balance, peace, and emotional resilience. Whether through therapy or as part of daily life, mindfulness is a tool that can help us navigate the complexities of modern living with more ease and presence.