Amanda Anderson

As an elementary school teacher, I saw how much children carry into the classroom, and how deeply family stress, trauma, and loss shape the way they learn, connect, and feel about themselves. I wanted to do more than notice those struggles; I wanted to help heal them. Volunteering as a CASA advocate for children in foster care confirmed that calling, and I went back to school to earn my MSW. Today, I’m driven by the belief that with the right support, every child and family can find their way to safety, connection, and hope.

I work best with children, teens, and families navigating trauma, loss, or major life changes. That includes foster and adoptive families building trust and attachment, parents who feel stuck or overwhelmed, families going through reunification, and individuals or loved ones coping with a serious illness. I connect especially well with clients who want a warm, collaborative partner and practical tools they can use at home, and with parents who want to understand what their child is feeling and how to help.

I wish every client knew that healing isn’t a straight line. There will be good days and hard days, and setbacks don’t erase the progress you’ve made. Small steps, like a calmer morning, an honest conversation, or simply showing up, really do add up. You don’t have to be “fixed” to be worthy of care, and you never have to do it alone.

In our first session, my main goal is for you to feel comfortable. We’ll talk about what brought you in, what’s been hardest lately, and what you’d like to be different. I’ll ask about your background and family, answer any questions you have about how therapy works, and there’s no pressure to share more than you’re ready to. In the early sessions, we’ll keep building trust, identify your strengths, and set a few clear, realistic goals together. For children, those first visits often include play and time with parents so I can understand the whole family. Many clients leave the first few sessions feeling a little lighter, simply because they’ve been heard and have a plan.

Many of my values come from my own life. Losing my dad several years ago taught me how grief can quietly change everything, and how much it matters to have people who show up and listen. As an elementary school teacher, I saw that children thrive when they feel understood, and as a child advocate, I saw what happens when they don’t. Being a mom has deepened all of it; I know the worry, love, and hope parents carry for their kids. At the heart of my practice is a simple belief: everyone deserves to feel safe, loved, and heard. I try to create that space for every client.

I start by getting to know the whole person, their history, family, culture, strengths, and what they hope will change. From there, we build a plan together and adjust it as we go. With children, I use play, movement, and connection-based TBRI strategies that match their age and development, and I bring parents in so progress carries over at home. With adults and families facing illness or crisis, I balance emotional support with practical help, like coordinating resources or planning next steps. I also pay close attention to pace; some clients want to dive in, while others need time to feel safe first, and both are okay.