Clinical Focus

Women and Girls face distinct emotional, social, and developmental challenges throughout the lifespan. From identity development and self-esteem issues in adolescence to navigating relationships, body image, reproductive health, motherhood, and career pressures in adulthood, the experiences of women are shaped by both internal and external expectations. Many also carry the weight of trauma, societal stigma, or unspoken emotional labor, which can manifest in symptoms of anxiety, depression, disordered eating, or relational distress.

Amanda is deeply committed to supporting women and girls through every stage of life. With a background in childhood development, perinatal mental health, and trauma-informed care, she brings an integrated perspective that honors the unique needs, strengths, and cultural experiences of each client.

Whether helping a teen navigate friendships and self-worth, or guiding a woman through grief, trauma, motherhood, or life transitions, Amanda creates a safe and affirming space where clients can feel heard, supported, and connected to their inner resilience.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that an individual feels driven to perform in response to the obsessions. These thoughts and behaviors can become time-consuming, cause significant distress, and interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. Common obsessions may include fears related to contamination, harm, or losing control, while compulsions often manifest as checking, cleaning, repeating, or seeking reassurance.

Amanda has received advanced training in ERP therapy for OCD at The Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of the International OCD Foundation. In her clinical work, she offers a structured, empathetic, and collaborative approach to treating OCD. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients can gradually confront their fears, develop effective coping strategies, and reduce compulsive behaviors. Treatment is personalized to meet each client’s unique needs, whether they experience classic OCD symptoms or more covert forms such as mental rituals or Pure-O (primarily obsessional OCD). Amanda is committed to helping clients reclaim their lives from OCD and move toward a life aligned with their values

Item descriptionAnxiety is a common and often overwhelming experience that can affect how we think, feel, and function in our daily lives. While anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger, it can become problematic when it feels constant, intense, or out of proportion to the situation. Anxiety may show up as racing thoughts, restlessness, irritability, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, or physical symptoms like tension, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat. It can also take the form of excessive worry, panic attacks, social avoidance, or a persistent fear of uncertainty.

Amanda works with individuals experiencing various forms of anxiety, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and anxiety related to life transitions, parenting, trauma, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Her approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based strategies, helping clients better understand the roots of their anxiety and develop practical tools to manage it. Amanda believes that anxiety often thrives in silence and self-judgment, and she creates a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions with curiosity rather than fear. Her goal is to help clients feel more empowered, present, and in control as they move toward a life that feels calmer, more connected, and values-driven.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) encompass a range of mental health conditions that can emerge during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety (PPA), obsessive-compulsive disorder (PPOCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and, in rare cases, postpartum psychosis. These disorders can affect any parent, regardless of background or experience, and often include symptoms such as persistent sadness, excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, difficulty bonding, and a sense of overwhelm or disconnection. Without support, PMADs can disrupt the parent-child relationship and impact overall well-being.

Amanda has pursued focused clinical education in maternal mental health, perinatal mood disorders, and psychopharmacology, equipping her with a strong foundation to support individuals through the emotional challenges of the perinatal period. Her therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. With a deep understanding of the emotional, hormonal, and social transitions surrounding pregnancy and postpartum, Amanda creates a safe and supportive space for clients to process their experiences, manage distressing symptoms, and reconnect with themselves and their growing families. Her goal is to walk alongside each client as they navigate this vulnerable and transformative stage of life with greater confidence and compassion.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can impact attention, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and impulse control. While often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD frequently continues into adolescence and adulthood, sometimes going unrecognized until later in life. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with focus, organization, time management, task completion, or restlessness, and they may also experience co-occurring challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, or emotional dysregulation. These difficulties can affect academic or occupational performance, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Amanda has developed specialized knowledge in supporting individuals with ADHD through both clinical training and lived experience. She uses evidence-based interventions—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), executive functioning skills training, and strengths-based strategies—to help clients better understand their ADHD and build practical tools for daily life. Amanda’s approach is collaborative and validating, focusing on helping clients reframe self-critical thoughts, harness their strengths, and cultivate self-acceptance.

Disordered Eating refers to a range of unhealthy behaviors and attitudes related to food, body image, and eating habits that may not meet full criteria for an eating disorder but still cause significant emotional distress and impair quality of life. These behaviors can include chronic dieting, restrictive eating, emotional eating, bingeing, or an obsessive focus on weight, body shape, or “clean” eating. Disordered eating frequently coexists with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), particularly when rigid rules and compulsive behaviors around food or body image are used to manage distress or uncertainty.

Amanda approaches disordered eating with sensitivity, respect, and a deep understanding of the complex factors that shape a person's relationship with food and body image. In addition to her clinical training, Amanda’s background in childhood development and education allows her to offer nuanced, developmentally appropriate care for adolescents and adults alike.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive, process, and interact with the world around them. Characteristics of autism may include differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors or interests. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning that each person’s strengths, challenges, and needs can vary widely. Many individuals with autism also experience co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, or mood disorders. While autism is often diagnosed in childhood, it may also be identified in adolescence or adulthood, especially in individuals who were previously overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Amanda brings a unique perspective to her clinical work, drawing from her experiences as a mother, as well as her background as an educator with a master's degree in elementary education & early childhood development. In addition to focused clinical training, this foundation enhances her ability to understand and support the developmental needs of autistic individuals, as well as their families, across the lifespan. Her approach is neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based, and grounded in empathy and collaboration. Amanda strives to create an environment where clients feel safe, respected, and understood—recognizing and honoring each person's unique way of experiencing the world. She incorporates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), executive functioning support, and sensory-aware strategies to help clients reach their goals while promoting self-understanding and resilience.

Veterans and Military Families face unique stressors that can impact emotional well-being, relationships, identity, and daily functioning. Frequent relocations, deployments, reintegration challenges, exposure to trauma, and the complexities of military culture can leave lasting effects on both service members and their loved ones. Issues such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), depression, anxiety, and relational strain are common among this population. Family members—including spouses, children, and caregivers—may also experience secondary trauma, adjustment difficulties, and isolation as they navigate the demands of military life.

As a veteran of the United States Army and the spouse of an active-duty Air Force member, Amanda brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work with military families. Her clinical approach is grounded in cultural humility, trauma-informed care, and a systemic understanding of how military service affects individuals and their relationships.

Amanda provides a supportive and nonjudgmental space where veterans and their families can process complex experiences, build resilience, and reconnect with their values. Whether working through trauma, managing life transitions, or strengthening family bonds, Amanda is dedicated to helping military-connected individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered.