About
“When we can be seen for who we are without shame, incredible healing is possible.”
Why I became a therapist
Hi my name is Amanda! I am a huge proponent of mental health care and therapy. I have gained so much from my own work in therapy that it drew me to the work of becoming a therapist myself and I felt called to be able to offer this to others. I believe it is a unique opportunity to get to know people deeply and to be able to see them as their full, authentic selves without judgment. When we can be seen for who we are without shame, incredible healing is possible. Working with people in this capacity is one of the most meaningful jobs that exists. It is an honor to be able to witness the most vulnerable parts of a person, to walk with them through their darkest moments, and to empower them to find more fulfilling relationships, more joy and pleasure in their lives.
Who I work with
I work with individuals of all ages and couples who are looking for support and a place where they can truly be listened to. I love working with people in the LGBTQIA+ community, including people who are questioning parts of their sexual or gender identity. I also have a passion for working with people who have experienced sexual trauma, and adults who have experienced childhood trauma. I am sex positive and kink affirming, and enjoy working with people with all types of relationship structures. I work from a body positive perspective, and am committed to Health at Every Size and the body liberation movement. I love incorporating spirituality into my work, if you are on a spiritual or religious journey of any kind I am happy to have that as part of our work together.
“I am here to see you as a full person, validate your feelings, and help you see the best parts of yourself.”
Working With Me
I work from a psychodynamic and person-centered approach, I am here to see you as a full person, validate your feelings, and help you see the best parts of yourself. I believe each person is the expert of their own lives and ultimately has the wisdom to know what they need; I like to collaborate with clients to find the best way of working with each individual. I value feminist and multicultural perspectives: any oppression you experience in the world inevitably affects your mental health, and I am here to advocate for my clients and empower them to advocate for themselves. My background is in theater and education, so I bring a creative and playful energy to sessions when that is appropriate.
My Qualifications and trainings
- I received my Bachelors degree in Psychology and Theater from Muhlenberg College;
- I received my Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University;
- I am a member of the American Association for Counselors;
- I have trained and volunteered as a medical advocate for sexual assault survivors in the ER;
- I am a registered yoga teacher, specializing in therapeutic restorative yoga;
- I am a level three Reiki practitioner;
- I volunteer as a pastoral/spiritual care provider through the Unitarian Universalist Church;
- I received my M.A. in Applied Theatre from CUNY, and worked for years using theater for education, community building, and social justice.