Greetings! I'm a licensed clinical social worker in McMinnville, Oregon. I've worked as a chemical dependency counselor, school counselor, wilderness therapist, yoga teacher, collegiate counselor and, for the last 19 years, have supported teens, adults, and families in independent practice. My path is one of service to others through love, enthusiasm and connection. I value encouraging others to walk their own path toward wellness and meaning. My tiny office resides 6.5 miles from downtown McMinnville. Research shows that green spaces have a calming effect on our brains, that forest bathing does wonders to our nervous system and clients have reported enjoying the green peacefulness of Muddy Valley, where my office sits in a quiet pasture. They have also reported benefit from our gravel path walks and the tromps through the woods as we discuss observations and insights. Movement integrates learning, nature views gift a new perspective, and the exercise doubles the value of time spent in therapy.
I work with clients in a variety of ways, and sessions tend to be a mix of work based on interpersonal psychotherapy, mindfulness based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. I tend to be person-centered, solution-focused, and insight-oriented and encourage practice of skills as the way to mark the change that's happening. I strive for a relationship that is safe and kind and that allows a person to be themselves, even as they contemplate changing. I'll get to know you well enough to tailor treatment that helps you change in the direction of your own unique best life. Somewhere deep inside of you, you know what is best. Join me in connecting with who you already deeply are, and step into the work that will allow you to healthfully be so.
Amy engages with clients in ways they can...
connect and choose. In individual and family counseling, Amy forges therapeutic relationships to help people gain perspective on their minds and build choice about their own responses to what happens in their lives. Amy works with late teen and adult clients with issues ranging from emerging independence to end of life challenges. Folks identify their values as they address issues leading to depression, anxiety, anger, grief, bumpy life transitions, family conflict and other normal challenges of real life.
embody and enjoy. In group settings at her farm office and in her forest, Amy facilitates experiences that encourage participants to inhabit their bodies, experiencing the joy of teamwork, physical activity and a connection to themselves and the natural environment. Forest hiking, mindfulness meditation sessions, and transformative activities all combine to make Amy's sessions good options for retreats, classes, group trainings and even special-design sessions. If you have a family or group that might benefit from working toward wellness but don't want to sit through therapy sessions, call Amy to talk about options. Insurance doesn't pay for group hikes or kids yoga, but science has proven that being in green spaces and moving your body calms the brain and increases happiness. Why not try something new in your quest for mental wellness?
attend and ground. Amy trains individuals and groups in the practice of mindfulness for participants to increase their awareness of the present moment and to decrease their stress. Using psychotherapy, mindfulness, walking in nature, gardening and interaction with animals, she helps individuals who have suffered trauma to stand on solid ground and embrace themselves in loving kindness.
embody and enjoy. In group settings at her farm office and in her forest, Amy facilitates experiences that encourage participants to inhabit their bodies, experiencing the joy of teamwork, physical activity and a connection to themselves and the natural environment. Forest hiking, mindfulness meditation sessions, and transformative activities all combine to make Amy's sessions good options for retreats, classes, group trainings and even special-design sessions. If you have a family or group that might benefit from working toward wellness but don't want to sit through therapy sessions, call Amy to talk about options. Insurance doesn't pay for group hikes or kids yoga, but science has proven that being in green spaces and moving your body calms the brain and increases happiness. Why not try something new in your quest for mental wellness?
attend and ground. Amy trains individuals and groups in the practice of mindfulness for participants to increase their awareness of the present moment and to decrease their stress. Using psychotherapy, mindfulness, walking in nature, gardening and interaction with animals, she helps individuals who have suffered trauma to stand on solid ground and embrace themselves in loving kindness.
What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
- Mary Oliver
- Mary Oliver
Photo by Ukiah Halloran-Steiner & video by Alyson Larkin