7 Years Exp - LPC, CSAC, CCTS-I, EMDR-T
Stephanie Amundson
7 Years Exp
LPC, CSAC, CCTS-I, EMDR-T
11 specialities
Accepts insurance
Telehealth appointments throughout
Call us for details on 7 Years Exp
LPC, CSAC, CCTS-I, EMDR-T11 specialitiesAccepts insurance
Stephanie Amundson
Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), certified substance abuse counselor (CSAC), and a certified clinical trauma specialist (CCTS-I). Stephanie is also EMDR-trained, and often utilizes EMDR with many of her clients. She has a passion for helping others and a passion for learning. She received her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University in Chicago, and has specialized training treating trauma from the Arizona Trauma Institute.
Working with a client to receive resources, psychological and physical support to get out of a domestically violent situation. Client later stated to me that I “saved her life, or else she would be in a body bag”. Knowing that domestic abuse/violence can be safely resolved, gave this client the opportunity to leave, and that was very significant for her, as well as for me as her clinician.
Though every person’s situation is unique, I generally approach the counseling process from a Person-centered perspective: treating people like people. No judgement, active listening, and work with where the client is at within their journey of therapy.
My first session isn’t just a time for me to get to know my clients, but also to understand what brings them to therapy. It’s important that my clients understand that counseling is a process that can work for them, so we’ll spend time tackling specific issues and goals for those issues.
I was a paramedic in Chicago for 6 years, and I saw show little services were being offered for patients in crisis. As a paramedic, I could only do much to offer psychological support to patients and their loved ones during medical emergencies, therefore, being a therapist helps me to save lives in a different way now. No longer on an ambulance, but working closely with patients one-on-one, and connecting with them to become better versions of themselves, to feel heard and seen, and to feel understood.
Highlights
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Stephanie specializes in trauma recovery/PTSD, and substance use. She also has clinical interest and knowledge of working with clients with histories of domestic abuse/violence, and sexual abuse/assault and those who have been through human trafficking and those who are first responders or military members. Stephanie also has an interest in working with those who have undergone narcissistic abuse.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
Stephanie works through a lens that allows clients to have their voices heard, be understood, all while not being judged and cared for, to help clients with their specific needs and goals. Stephanie believes that her own past experiences have helped her connect with her clients and form trustworthy therapeutic relationships. She often works with individuals, and she hopes to bring a sense of compassion, kindness, trust, and empathy when working with these clients. Stephanie treats therapy like a casual conversation, meaning she listens and talks with you - not at you, and uses humor and sarcasm frequently. Think of chatting with a friend at a coffee shop, only she knows a thing or two about mental health - how to support clients and guide change.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Stephanie loves spending time with family and friends. When she is not counseling clients, Stephanie loves to watch interesting documentaries or fun movies; she also loves to listen to music or podcasts and paints for self-care. She also trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art, at her local academy in her spare time and part of self-care. “My superpower is helping other people find their superpower.” - Eve Torres Gracie
Specialities
