A therapy session with Amanda Stemen, MS, LCSW, is unlike any you’ve ever had. If previous experiences with therapy have left you feeling unsatisfied but you’d prefer to be in an office setting rather than outdoors, that option is available too. Her approach is collaborative, warm, and eclectic, led by the belief that you’re the expert on yourself and she simply uses her expertise to bring out the answers you’re looking for and help you reach your goals.

Mindfulness is the basis for all therapy that Amanda provides. Mindfulness is being fully present in the moment, which is necessary and helpful for healing and growth. Amanda also uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy in some combination, depending on your specific needs.

  • Psychodynamic: focuses on how the unconscious mind influences our present behavior. The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to bring the unconscious into consciousness and develop greater self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior in order to create change.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): examines how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors intersect and impact our life. The goal of CBT is to challenge those thoughts and behaviors that are no longer helpful and replace them with ones that will create healthier behaviors and beliefs.   

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): an offshoot of CBT, DBT has been especially effective in helping those who struggle with suicidality and/or Borderline Personality Disorder. Its basis is mindfulness and it also incorporates skill building in three areas: distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The goal is to reduce suffering and create a life worth living through synthesizing polar opposites and learning to live within the gray areas of life.

Each therapy session is highly customized to the individual, couple, family, or group. To learn more about Amanda’s approach and find out whether it’s right for you, schedule a free 15 minute consultation by clicking the button below.