FAQs:
What is therapy like with Amanda?
Most importantly, our work is collaborative, creative, strengths-based, and centered on your experiences, needs, and goals. We will take the time to get to know one another, establish a warm, supportive foundation, and explore from there what internal and external factors are holding you back from feeling peace, hope, connection, acceptance, and healing. Chances are, you have ideas already about what you need or want to change; maybe you just need some support, guidance, and resources to establish and stick with those changes. Or, maybe you need a caring person to help you explore what your body may know but your mind is keeping out of reach. The truth is, therapy should look different for each individual because we all come to therapy with our own intersectional identities and life experiences that shape who we are and what we need.Therapy with me looks like bringing all those beautiful pieces of you into focus and working together to connect them to a path forward that feels right. We may bring in movement, mindfulness, games, creativity, meditation…maybe even pelting things at the wall? Who knows, but we’ll figure it out together; your feedback and your feelings will always be welcome.
What do you mean when you say you practice harm reduction?
I recognize that people have been using various substances for as long as humans and substances have existed. My goal is not to judge you for what you choose to use or not use. As a harm reduction practitioner, we can openly discuss your relationship with substances in your life. If you feel content with that particular relationship, great! If you don’t, we can explore together what feels like a better way to interact with that substance for you in a way that keeps you safe (reduces harm). For some, harm reduction means abstinence from a particular substance, but for others, it does not. That is an individual choice, and one this practice will always support, either way.
What hours are you available?
My typical availability is Monday, Wednesday, Thursday between 9am and 3pm, Tuesdays from 12pm-7pm, and Sundays from 2pm-5pm. I do my best to respond to messages within 24 hours; however, I’m human! Sometimes life gets away from me, so please allow up to 48 hours for a response. In the summer months, I am not available for outdoor walk-and-talks during the hours of 11am-6pm—this is Texas, and it’s too hot!
What is your cancellation policy?
I request at least 24 hours notice to avoid the $50 no-show fee. However, I understand life happens. Please reach out to me if you experienced an emergency that prohibited you from canceling within the 24-hour window.
I’m worried I can’t afford therapy or my insurance has term limits—what do I do?
It is my belief that everyone should have access to quality healthcare, and mental health care IS healthcare! I am more than happy to discuss my sliding scale rates with you—do not feel ashamed to reach out about it! I partner with Open Path; through that partnership, I offer individual and couples rates at $50 per session. My free sessions are currently booked, but please leave me a message if you’d like to be added to that wait list! I am only able to accept the following insurance through Headway—Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Ascension Smart Health. I am also a HAAM in-network provider for our amazing Austin creative community through partnership with the SIMS Foundation. If you are worried about the label of a diagnosis or dislike the pressure of term limits, reach out and we’ll discuss what private payments feel manageable for you. Despite all humans having equal value, capitalism unfairly results in some of us having less financial means—if you are able to pay full fees for therapy, know that those fees are what make it possible for me to offer free and reduced rate sessions to others so that everyone can pay what they can and get equal care.
The world feels less safe than ever, how do I know if I will be safe with you?
I will be completely honest—I enter the room checking pretty much every box for privilege that exists. I’m not going to pretend I know first-hand what anyone else’s experience is like. I won’t bullshit you now or ever. However, I consider it one of the greatest gifts of my life that I have had the opportunity to meet so many people who differ from me in any variety of ways. Getting to know and care for others has expanded my understanding of humanity and taught me that what we need and want from connections and from life at our very core is not extremely different. There isn’t even space to list all of the varying intersectional identities here that I welcome, but know that you will be cherished for who you are and safe to explore your full self with me.
How do I know if therapy is working?
When we collaborate on your goals, we will also discuss how we will track your progress. Generally, that is done in a variety of ways: regular check-in discussions, brief measures taken before each session (if applicable), and/or measurement along a determined timeline we create together for more concrete goals. Our work together is collaborative; your feedback and involvement is essential. If at any time you feel concerned about the direction of our work or your progress toward a certain goal, let’s check in! You don’t ever need to feel a sense of hesitation about speaking up with me! I WANT to hear what you have to say about your experience, no matter what it is! No one can fully know what is going on inside your mind and body except you; I rely on you to let me know what’s working and what isn’t! The best thing about humans is how complex and diverse we are—what works for one doesn’t always work for another and that’s ok!