Hi, I’m Amanda!
I became a therapist because I believe change is possible for everyone, and I've seen firsthand how resilient people truly are. My favorite part of this work is sitting with someone in their hardest moment, holding that pain with them, and helping them find their way through it.
I show up to every session with genuine care, curiosity, and a deep respect for your story. Building real trust is at the center of everything I do, because I know that's where healing begins.
Education + Licensing
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensed to practice in Illinois, Utah, and Washington. I received my Bachelor's in Human Development and my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Throughout my education, I focused the majority of my research on interracial relationships, faith transitions, and the impact of fathers on the family unit. These experiences have deepened my understanding of identity, relationships, and belonging in ways that inform all of my work.
I chose my graduate program for its emphasis on comprehensive clinical training, systemic and interpersonal dynamics, cultural responsiveness, and a strong commitment to working with diverse and underserved populations.
Experience
I began my graduate internship in 2019 at an outpatient treatment center, supporting clients through a wide range of complex traumas. Since graduating in 2021, I have worked in private practice with clients navigating anxiety, addiction, depression, relationship challenges, LGBTQ+ issues, spirituality, and more.
My approach is personalized to each client rather than one-size-fits-all. I draw from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to provide the most effective support for your specific needs.
Clients often tell me they appreciate my compassion, insights, strong memory, and ability to be both supportive and honest, even blunt when necessary.
I am particularly passionate about helping clients navigate faith transitions. Finding the right therapist can be challenging, and no clinician should push someone toward or away from their faith. I prioritize creating a space where clients feel comfortable and empowered in their decisions as we navigate the complexities of faith transitions together. Clients have valued my guidance in managing difficult family conversations while defining their own beliefs.
Something that surprised me in my career is how much I value working with couples recovering from infidelity. I credit this to my ability to truly see people, identify the root of an issue, and help rebuild relationships that once felt irreparable. It is incredibly rewarding to witness couples restore their connection into something stronger than they ever imagined. Clients have expressed gratitude for my support during such a difficult time, as we work together to rediscover hope and happiness in their relationship.
Research + Writing
My academic research has covered interracial and interfaith relationships, the effects of faith transitions on individuals and families, and the impact of fathers on their children.
During my undergraduate studies, I researched the role fathers play in shaping their children's self-esteem and body image. My findings demonstrated that paternal warmth positively influences body image for both sons and daughters. I presented this research at the 2018 Mary Lou Fulton Mentored Student Research Conference, where I received an award for my work.
I have also contributed to research teams led by Dr. Roy Bean and Dr. Shayne Anderson, examining the representation of ethnic minorities in academic literature and the dynamic roles of therapists and clients in successful therapy outcomes.
Beyond the therapy office,
I was born and raised in California, spent about eight years in Utah for school, and now live in Chicago with my husband and dog. We take every opportunity to explore the city, checking out museums, enjoying long summer days at the lake, and discovering new favorite spots.
True to my Italian heritage, I live by the saying "La vita è una combinazione di pasta e amore." Many of my favorite activities revolve around food. I love spending mornings at the farmers market picking out fresh produce and baked goods, trying new restaurants, and cooking with my husband on weekends.
I became a therapist because I once needed therapy myself. Working through my own trauma gave me a deep respect for the courage it takes to show up and do this work. That experience is part of why I care so much about the relationship between therapist and client. I know firsthand how much it matters to feel truly seen.