My Approach
Firstly, Amy believes that humans are innately resilient and are capable of change. This change comes when an individual challenges himself or herself to delve deep into their issues and is curious to learn more about themselves. You are the expert in your life’s journey, and together we are able to conceptualize your situation and collectively create a treatment plan. Amy listens with curiosity, respect, humility, and grace. She works to establish a judgment-free, grace-filled atmosphere where you may heal and grow at the pace and in the way that best suits you.
Each individual contains the necessary elements needed to succeed in their desired way. With discussion and reflection of counseling, clients are able to access what is already existing within and lead clients to new discoveries and finding a way to live life in a more balanced way. Through utilizing existing tools, as well as learning new ideas and practices, clients are able to reach their full potential for prolonged success. The tools learned in counseling are taught through the caring application of methods and strategies that have been supported through research.
Amy utilizes numerous techniques from a variety of counseling theory, but she views each client primarily through the lens of Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is the belief that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. Through the numerous techniques offered the client is able to recognize these thoughts and learning to change their perspective, thus altering their feelings and behaviors. These skills acquired through talk therapy give a wonderful foundation for EMDR therapy. EMDR is an adjunctive therapy that allows for the brain to reprocess information and memories in a more efficient manner. It allows for an individual's mind to desensitize them to the emotion and memory in question.
Areas of Expertise
Individuals may not feel as though their symptoms or experiences fit into any one category or "Diagnosis". Although Amy's expertise is focused on the following issues, she is able to work with other not listed.
Depression
Depression is a common but serious illness. Depression is very different from the normal ups and downs of life or the short-lived down or sad feelings that are an appropriate response to life’s challenges. Depression can have a significant impact in peoples lives, negatively effecting how you feel, think, and handle daily activities.
Trauma
Trauma, whether it be emotional or physical, can vary in a variety of ways and our reactions are often out of our control. Amy's approach to helping those with these experiences is to take the necessary steps to learn the appropriate skills prior to even discussing the event. With the use of talk therapy, CBT, and EMDR we will work to engage with the experience in a slow and safe way working towards leaving the strength of its affects on you in the past and working to create the path toward living your life in control and more positive way.
Substance Use
Amy is a Licensed Addiction Counselor in the State of Colorado.
Addiction can take over your life, cause damage to relationships that matter, and leave you spinning out of control. We know that reaching out is sometimes the most difficult step. Amy's approach to working with you is to identify the circumstances that impact substance use. We’ll walk through a number of exercises to gather information so we can have a conversation about goals and strategies to address substance use in a way that does not negatively impact your life.
Whether your behavior has been harmful, or your abuse has developed into an addiction, we can help you better understand your situation and appropriate treatment options.
Major life Changes
Major life changes may include changing careers, finding life purpose, or the anxiety and worry of a young adult stepping out into the world on their own. We can help you view the situation as a whole, analyze and decipher the adaptive and maladaptive aspects, and learn the necessary tools to live in a meaningful and productive life.
Anxiety
Nothing disrupts our lives more commonly than anxiety. We call it a lot of different things so it is often easy to miss – stress, worry, feeling overwhelmed, a mind that won’t stop. For some people, they have wrestled with it all their lives, for others it may be the result of recent life changes or complications to lifestyle. If you feel that your worry has become obsessive, almost daily, and is very difficult to control, it may be worth talking with somebody.