Meet Amy

My Approach to Therapy

I approach therapy from a strengths-based, client-centered perspective, grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own life. I strive to create a supportive and trusting relationship where you feel safe, heard, and empowered to make the positive changes you're seeking.

Building a strong therapeutic alliance is at the heart of my work. This connection becomes the foundation for meaningful growth and healing. I draw from a variety of evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Social Emotional Learning, Trauma-Informed Care, Play Therapy, and Mindfulness.

Above all, I believe that my clients come to me with many strengths, often untapped or unrecognized, and it’s an honor to partner with you as we explore those together and work toward your goals.

My Experience

I’m a Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience serving children, teens, adults, and families throughout the Austin area, both in school-based settings and in private mental health practice. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin, and I had the unique opportunity to train at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence in the RULER Approach to Social Emotional Learning.

After graduate school, I began my career in education, working within Austin ISD and Eanes ISD. These roles gave me the privilege of supporting a wide range of communities - from highly resourced environments to those navigating the impact of trauma and systemic challenges. In the school setting, I was able to walk alongside students from their first day of Kindergarten to high school graduation, and even into young adulthood.

Those years working closely with students, families, and educators made me the therapist I am today. They gave me a deep understanding of the emotional and mental health challenges people face at different life stages. Across all the communities I served, one thing remained true: having a safe, supportive space to explore difficult emotions and learning how to accept and regulate those emotions made a profound difference in people’s lives.

This insight, and a desire to provide more in-depth, individualized care, led me to open my private practice in the fall of 2019. It’s been a joy and an honor to continue this work in a way that allows for deeper connection and long-lasting growth.

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Outside of the Office​

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When I’m not at the office, you’ll most likely find me spending time with my husband, my spirited 5 year old daughter, and our naughty but lovable dog. They often get the unique, yet not always enthusiastic, privilege of being the first test run for new therapy ideas and strategies. 

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I do my best to “practice what I teach” by exploring meaningful self-care through time outdoors, movement, and mindfulness. That said, like many of my clients, I also find myself scrolling social media, getting hooked on true crime podcasts, and binging the latest show everyone’s talking about. My nightstand is stacked with insightful books, often recommended by clients. And I can admit that I may only find time to read excerpts and then listen to a podcast that sums them up instead.