Hello

My name is Amanda (she/her), and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, Child Mental Health Specialist, and Perinatal Mental Health Specialist. I provide therapy, consultation, and supervision to those in Washington and Oregon out of Tri-Cities, Washington. I graduated from Heritage University with my Bachelor of Social Work and Walla Walla University with my Master of Social Work.

 

I deeply understand what it is like to feel like something is missing, and like no matter what you do, you are not meeting the mark, connecting in the way you'd like to, or functioning in a way you find satisfying. I have felt stuck many times in my life by external factors I didn't understand, internal anxiety or other emotions that held me back. It has taken a great deal of learning, therapy, and hard work to get to where I am now. My goal at this point is to provide a safe space for folks going through similar challenges, whether that's a mix of anxiety, self-esteem challenges, self-identity concerns, life transitions, or just one of these struggles - and to help them manage it while simultaneously transferring those skills through our work together. Know that it is possible to manage your anxiety and other emotions, grow to better align with who you are inside, and enjoy life surrounded by people who love you for who you are.

My role as a therapist is to guide my client along their path in discovering and building their strengths, navigating their challenges, and working toward their chosen goals. My theoretical background for counseling is rooted in a Person-Centered approach, which empowers the client to reach their potential through self-awareness, acceptance, and openness. Depending on the client's unique interests and needs, I also utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), humanistic approaches, mindfulness-based therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and motivational interviewing. All treatment modalities used are empirically validated, meaning that they have been studied and proven to be effective for various populations. Therapy is client-driven and the goals are shaped by you and your needs. No topic is off-limits or taboo.

​

I follow the ethics of my professional association (National Association of Social Workers). I have obtained the education and experience and passed the required examination to become a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist, as well as the education and supervised experience to become a Child Mental Health Specialist and Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. I practice full-time in a primary care clinic utilizing an Integrated Behavioral Health model, working with a number of challenges including anxiety and depression, life transitions, and relationship changes. I worked for five years in LGBTQ+ youth centers with youth and teens experiencing challenges related to their gender and sexuality, and am well versed in working with gender expansive and transgender clients, folks with marginalized sexualities. I worked for three years in a program with pregnant or caregiving parents of children under three years of age, and am adept at working with individuals within the perinatal and parenting spaces.

 

I have training and experience working with clients in nontraditional relationships including those in polyamorous or BDSM/kink relationships. Finally, I have training and professional experience with neurodivergent individuals, as well as lived experience as the parent of an autistic child. I am comfortable working with neurodivergent adolescents and adults, as well as caregivers looking to build skills to support their children. If this resonates with you, please reach out to me via the contact form or email.