Meet Amy (she/her) LPC, LCMHC, MED
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here.
I'm originally from Northern Virginia and I started my professional journey working 11+ years working for a boutique government affairs firm on Capitol Hill. I worked full time as an operations manager while I pursued my life calling and earned my master's degree in Counseling and Development in 2016.
In 2015, I started my counseling career as an intern at a private practice in Falls Church, VA where I had a lot of autonomy to work with many different kinds of issues and folks. Initially, I worked extensively with men's issues and couple's issues (and still do) but that has evolved over time and now I work most often with relationships, life transition difficulties, anxiety, and helping folks navigate and heal from narcissistic abuse and difficult relationships of any kind.
In 2018 I moved to Australia and continued to see my American clients via Telehealth. I also worked in an Australian private practice, eventually opening my own practice in Melbourne. Living in Australia gave me the opportunity to work with folks from all over the world, and it was a profoundly impactful professional experience. I learned no matter who you are or where you're from we are all humans with real struggles and our issues are largely universal. Couple's fight about the same things; in-laws and parents are driving us crazy everywhere; anxiety and depression exist in almost every culture; people get sick and die; and there's always big life changes and decisions to be made around the corner.
I repatriated back to the US at the end of 2021 and settled into central North Carolina. I am now licensed to practice in both North Carolina and Virginia. I understand the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced life and career in the DC area, and now appreciate moving a little slower here in NC (with a little less traffic!).
I'm a psychodynamic therapist which simply means I try and deeply understand how our subconscious memories impact our current thoughts, emotions and behaviors. I'm also an antagonism and trauma informed clinician, which is a fancy way of saying I understand the nuances in dealing with difficult people and understand the trauma it can cause. I use the Gottman Method, Imago Therapy, and mindfulness techniques.
I’m also huge on psychoeducation. Many of my clients want to know why something manifests the way it does and I find psychoeducation extremely helpful to help them better understand. I'm currently in training to become a certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) via Dr. Ramani Durvasula's training program.
I have a warm, relatable, more direct approach to therapy. I won't tell you what to do but I also don't tend to beat around the bush. I believe that client rapport is the most integral part to therapy and I hold sacred my professional client relationships, and their earned trust. I regularly receive feedback that I create a space of ease, safety, non judgement, and that therapy doesn't feel scary with me. I'm here to help empower you to gain confidence in deciding what's best for you. Together we will work towards taking necessary steps for you to live the life you want and need.
I'm so excited to help and work with you. I welcome various races, cultures, ethnicities and am very LGBTQIA+ and neuroaffirming and experienced. Everyone is welcome.
Message me today to get started! You may also message me with any queries about the kind of therapy I do.
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Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication: Public Relations
- Master of Education: Counseling and Development - Community Agency Counseling
Current Licenses:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Virginia Board of Counseling
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) - North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
Certifications:
- Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) - (in process)
Professional Memberships:
- American Counseling Association (ACA)
- Virginia Mental Health Counselors Association (VAMHCA; formerly NVLPC)
