Amanda Dutton LPC, CPCS

As a verified WPATH provider and LGBTQ+ ally, I love being able to support my clients rights to be who they are, wherever they are. Whether they are struggling with depression, anxiety, family struggles or other issues, I believe that my empathy and experience working with the LGBTQ+ community can provide clients with the support they need to move forward in the next steps in their lives.

As a chronic pain and illness warrior since 2010, I can empathize with my clients in a way that others may not. Managing the stress, depression and even grief that comes from these diagnoses requires a solid support system to live your best life. A big part of that support comes in the form of therapy so that you can learn and practice the skills to cope with the mental and emotional struggles that come from having these diagnoses.

Having had bariatric surgery back in 2005, I've struggled with body image issues throughout my life. Having the surgery definitely didn't change my brain! There is a lot of work that has to go in to working on our mindset around becoming able to love ourselves and our bodies completely. Body image and self-esteem are so closely intertwined. By working on skills to become more accepting of our bodies, we can actually work to improve self-esteem without any physical changes needed!

Similar to what it sounds like, I use relational therapy to build our communication and understanding so that you are able to learn and practice new skills for your own relationships. This type of therapy is a style that most people enjoy because it feels less like a "session" and more like a conversation between friends.

We all have stories to tell. Sometimes, when our depression, anxiety or grief gets too big, those stories seem to all become dark and overwhelming. Narrative therapy allows you to share those stories and when you are ready, I can guide you to other stories in your life that bring up more positive feelings. By doing this, we can work on finding the skills and tools you have already used in your past to address the struggles you have going on today. You have the tools, we just have to find them.

Many times, one treatment type just isn't the right fit for a client. Honestly, that's usually the case. Nobody's struggles are the same, so why would one specific treatment be perfect all the time? Integrative therapy allows me to tailor the treatment to you. We may use aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, relational or narrative, mindfulness or other therapy techniques. It all depends on what you need. My priority is you.