Is Amanda the right fit for you?

My story: I have worked in the nonprofit sector for the last 25 years. I have experienced and healed from my own levels of burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma as part of my journey. I have a deep passion for working with helpers especially those in human service sectors like HR, nonprofits, health care, education, law and finance.

I have spent the last 7 years teaching, coaching and counselling folks facing difficult workplace circumstances. My hope is always that you will be able to use the pain in the experience to understand yourself more deeply, show up more authentically yourself, navigate the complexity of the situation with integrity, and alleviate the suffering you are experiencing.

My therapeutic style is grounded in empathy, warmth, and understanding. I work collaboratively with you on whatever you bring into the room.

I use an integrative approach based in many modalities including affective neuroscience, attachment theory, emotion theory, and body -focused (also called somatic) approaches. Since everyone is unique in the way they approach life and suffering, I tailor my approach to what you need and who you are.

Anti-oppressive practice is a core principle of my practice. I am invested in applying an intersectional lens in my work. I come from a relatively privileged background as a white, heterosexual, cis gendered, middle aged, settler woman. I am committed to continuing to learn about and work toward socially just practices and systems in my work. 

I believe that everyone has the capacity to grow, heal, and live a joy filled life.

My credentialing:

  • Master of Social Work - University of Calgary

  • Masters of Arts in Theology - Regent College

  • Bachelor degrees: Social work - University of Victoria

    Psychology - University of the Fraser Valley

  • Specific therapeutic trainings:

    Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy

    Somatic Therapy level 1

    Certified Mindfulness Informed Professional

    Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

    Organizational Coaching Certificate

  • Registered Social Worker in the province of British Columbia (BCCSW #11440)

  • Member of the BC Association of Social Workers and the Canadian Association of Social Workers

Other things about me…

Being a psychotherapist is only part of my identity – I am also a mom (to a teen, a mischievous little dog & a grumpy cat), a partner, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a daughter, and a friend. I am also a cleaner, homework tutor, cook, chauffeur, late night confidante...I’m sure other folks reading this can relate. I have, of course, taken on other roles throughout my life but the core connection with myself is always the key that allows me to act with joy, compassion and integrity.

Having fun is a key part of looking after my own wellbeing. I love to swim, walk, and laugh till I can’t breathe with my teen over stupid stuff. I gain a lot of inner strength and grounded-ness from hanging out with my friends and family. I also thoroughly enjoy keeping my own company. When I get the chance, I love to take long walks in new cities. I am an avid reader of all sorts of books. My favourites are usually fantasy and dystopian lit (like Octavia Butler, Eden Robinson, and Cherie Dimaline).

Thanks for reading and I hope I get to meet you soon. Take care of yourself.