Meet Amy
I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist who is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space for those who have felt or feel ‘othered.’
I meet my clients where they are – I want clients to feel safe to ‘come as they are,’ and I help them do that by showing up with the courage to be vulnerable and as my authentic self.
I am passionate about working with those who have experienced trauma of any kind. I believe that many people feel isolated by their traumas. We’ll work together at a pace that feels safe for you. Trauma is often wrapped in guilt and shame, which can create a spiral in and of itself. I like to work with you to understand the beliefs you have developed about yourself in relation to your trauma. These beliefs can be extremely debilitating, and can really create a barrier to finding your true happiness and living an authentic life.
I am most excited to work with clients who want to work through their trauma. I recognize the intersectionality of each person’s unique identities. I enjoy working with clients who have multifaceted needs such as Bipolar Disorder and/or struggling with other mental health symptoms. I enjoy working with clients who have experienced complex trauma, intergenerational trauma, and sexual assault trauma.
I am eager to work with those who have PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, struggle with grief/loss, have a personality disorder, and/or chronic and persistent mental illness.
As someone who has also struggled with anxiety for many years, I can really empathize when someone is dealing with anxiety.
I like to cultivate a space that fosters self-nurturing and empowerment to overcome fears, thought spirals, and critical self-talk. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support clients in learning to embrace difficult thoughts/feelings and increase their psychological flexibility, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to enhance emotional regulation, self-awareness, and distress tolerance, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge unhelpful thought patterns lending to anxiety.
I have extensive history working with those who have chronic and persistent mental health disorders, including Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Dissociative Identity Disorder, and Dual Diagnosis. I have found that many of my clients have been ostracized or judged due to their diagnoses. I am very cognizant that this is only a piece of their identity, and not a reflection of their full humanity. I approach chronic and persistent mental illness from a approach to learn more about each client’s goals. I have had several clients disclose that they feel defined by their diagnosis – I want the client to know from the start that I am interested in working with them and all they bring into session, not ‘fixing’ the diagnosis. Based on what the client defines as being problematic – such as having a hard time coping with depressive symptoms or managing impulsivity when manic.
Autonomy is a core principle that guides my work. I seek to empower my clients in recognizing their own abilities to know what the best decision or choice is for them. I also believe in the power of a strong therapeutic alliance. Therapeutic techniques and skills are important but without a strong rapport, these will be minimally effective at best. I believe in the importance of understanding each client’s unique intersectionality and how it shapes who they are. It is essential to understand the complex interplay of someone’s various identities in order to consider what influences someone’s experiences and opportunities.
I recognize that everyone’s experience of the world is unique to them.
I tend to be direct and straightforward with my clients. I incorporate some humor where appropriate. I also use some self-disclosure to support the client in helping them not feel so alone. I work from a Strength-Based lens and encourage clients to recognize their own strengths and build upon them to reach the goals they have set for themselves. I think being able to witness someone having a breakthrough or overcoming a barrier inhibiting them from being their true self is a privilege to witness. I show up fully and presently to each session, with the hope that this encourages you to feel safe to do the same. I want you to feel comfortable to share ‘all the things’ – ALL of them – even (and especially) the ones we push deep inside that we are afraid we will be judged for. I am very comfortable with strong emotions, and do not want you to hold back from opening up. I want you to come as you are and be comfortable in this space. This is the place to begin unloading the heavy ‘stuff’ you’ve been carrying around on your own for too long.
Amy Outside of the Therapy Room:
Outside of work you can find me enjoying a strong cup of coffee, hanging out with my wife and fur baby, or spending time in nature. I love to try new restaurants and travel. I enjoy learning about different cultures and exploring different parts of the world.
