Amanda Bear

EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is something many therapists work with. Amanda has sought out training in order to do EMDR in a compassionate way that is not flooding. This is done at the clients pace and always with informed consent.

At the core of trauma is a lack of choice. Therapy itself can be retraumatizing when we feel we have a lack of choice in the room. Amanda works with clients through an empowerment lens which allows them the power to say no in therapy, advocate for what they want, and have their goals be the goals we work on.

Amanda finds this technique helpful in understanding how the “parts” of you are interacting in the world. This is helpful to integrate the parts of you that have been fragmented due to rejection, social pressure, or childhood. This allows clients to become whole and find a sense of true self.f

Amanda’s unique experience in ADHD allows her to understand how providers have done a disservice to this community by trying to “fix” neurodivergency. This is frustrating at best and harmful at worst. She works to get to know how her clients operate and where it may be limiting them. Amanda is able to see how neurodivergency colors not one ybehaviors but an individual’s experience of mental health.

Amanda knows that stereotypes about “kids these days” are harmful and often dramatic. She practices to get to know each of her clients rather than working from a template. She is connected with youth culture and is open to learning more. Amanda is honored to enter into brave, honest, and kind conversations with her teen clients.

Amanda is able to work through attachment issues as she understands how this can color every relationship. Thats why one of her primary goals is to create a secure and safe environment in order for her clients to have a felt sense of healthy relationships. Amanda also works to help clients identify how these issues may have gotten here as well as what they are impacting currently.