Practice

Amanda utilizes a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing Therapy to assist clients with identifying, developing and reaching their goals in a quick manner. Her laid back, client directed style allows for people to feel at ease, usually within the first session. Clients often comment that her "southern accent" and easy way of talking helps them to open up and quickly get to the root of their problems.

Individual Therapy Amanda has extensive experience with individual therapy. At times this has included working collaboratively with school based programs and other community partners, and assisting clients with developing healthy social and emotional skills. Areas of expertise involve behavior management, social and emotional skills training, and building self esteem.
Family and Marital Therapy Amanda received two years of intensive, post graduate training under the auspices of John T. Niehaus LISW-S, IMFT, in the practice of family and marital therapy. The goal of these therapies is to help individuals connect on a higher level with others in their primary support system. Sessions often include fun games and engaging activities to help everyone feel at ease, while also bringing each family member together to work toward one shared goal.
Trauma Focused Therapy Amanda has an extensive history of working with traumatized youth and their families. Amanda began her career in mental health as a Child Protection Worker. Through that work, Amanda was able to appreciate the many systems playing a part in the lives of traumatized families. Amanda then worked for six years as a child and family therapist in a residential facility and foster home agency, providing individual, family and group therapy. During that time, she received one year of extensive, post graduate training through the Child and Adolescent Trauma Treatment and Training Institute (CATTTI) at the University of Kentucky's Center on Trauma and Children. There, she was specially trained in the area of trauma focused care by members of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Amanda subscribes to the theory that the entire system must be involved to truly support the traumatized individual in healing and eventually moving forward with a healthy and meaningful life.
Parenting and Attachment Therapy Our first and most important relationship in our lives is the one we have with our parents. This is the foundation upon which all future relationships will rest and must be carefully cultivated in order to set the tone for all future connections. A large part of Amanda's practice involves assisting families in creating structure in the home in order that children's behaviors can be positively promoted and supported. While at CATTI, Amanda received specialized training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), focused on building and nurturing the parent-child bond. As appropriate, extended members may become involved in this treatment so as to create a uniform set of expectations, especially for children who may have trouble with transition or anxiety.

A little about my practice...