Hi I’m Amanda
I’m a Seattle native, living in the Queen Anne neighborhood with my longtime partner Mac and our dog Maggie. I’m a CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult), and American Sign Language (ASL) is my first language. Growing up with ASL introduced me to a world of emotions and communication that goes beyond words. It also connected me to communities of both visible and invisible disabilities. From an early age, I began to understand how our identities are shaped by how others perceive our abilities and how we in turn, are influenced by the labels and expectations placed on us.
My Beliefs
Humans are meaning-making creatures who need connection to thrive. Not just connection to others, but to ourselves, our bodies, our communities, and the world around us. I wouldn’t be who I am without the relationships, places, and practices that anchor me: chosen family, close friendships, being in nature, play, laughter, movement, and meaningful conversation. I believe in the sacredness of flow, those rare vivid moments where presence takes over and time softens, but I also believe that great moments of presence are often balanced by a sacred confusion, moments of being lost and of not knowing what comes next. Connection isn't always easy or transcendent; sometimes it’s messy, awkward, and full of contradictions. I find though when we stay with it, when we stay with ourselves and each other through it, it becomes fertile ground for meaning, resilience and change.
My Experience
My path into therapy began early, helping my parents with their nonprofit which connected people with disabilities to meaningful employment. This work, along with visiting nursing homes and rehab facilities as a child, taught me the importance of understanding our life’s purpose, listening, and valuing time with others. I later volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, which strengthened my desire to help people access resources. During my undergraduate years, I contributed to a study on parenting styles and emotional regulation. This sparked my interest in attachment theory and I gained further insight into childhood development while working at the childcare center in Northwest Hospital.
In leadership and coaching, I honed my skills in creating welcoming spaces and fostering team cohesion, helping people find purpose and balance in their daily work. Volunteering with the King county crisis line deepened my understanding of active listening and the importance of providing support in critical moments. My internship at Seattle Anxiety Specialists allowed me to learn and practice techniques like Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for clients dealing with anxiety and related issues. These experiences shape my integrative approach to therapy, where I blend cognitive, emotional, and relational work to meet my clients’ unique needs.