Amanda Brown (she/her/hers)

Prior to entering private practice, I worked in treatment centers in Colorado helping clients overcome substance abuse. Often, alcohol abuse and dependence can be viewed as an unhealthy coping skill. I will help you identify what it is you are trying to cope with, if you aren't yet aware of the connection, to process and work through that experience or feeling, and to build new, positive coping skills.

Stress is something that many of us have become accustomed to in many areas of our life. Small levels of stress can actually be motivating and help us achieve what we are aiming for. Too much stress, however, can be overwhelming and debilitating, eating away at your motivation, appreciation of yourself, others, and things that you enjoy in life.

Looking around, it may appear as if everyone around you has the sh*t together, feels confident and knows exactly what to say, while you are stumbling on the inside, feeling insecure and unsure of yourself. Self-esteem can be fostered with practice and the right tools, including building compassion and understanding for yourself.

I utilize mindfulness strategies in sessions with many of my clients. This may be as direct as directing you in a meditation, and may be more gentle, such as building awareness of critical thoughts as they arise or awareness of your experiences in the present moment in order to diminish negative thoughts and feelings of shame and guilt.

I utilize a variety of treatment modalities in my counseling approach. This means that I incorporate mindfulness, ACT, CBT and other treatment techniques into a session based first on you, the client, and what your individual needs may be.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy utilizes mindfulness approaches and building a sense of acceptance and compassion for yourself, others, and experiences that you have been through.

A sense of fear, embarrassment, or preoccupation while in social situations. Social phobia, or social anxiety, can lead to physical symptoms of anxiety and a sense of not being able to think clearly, for fear of being judged, ridiculed, or embarrassing yourself around other people. Through building a resilient sense of self and understanding where critical messages that you tell yourself are coming from, while building tools to manage the symptoms of anxiety, you can find relief.

Anxiety can have physical and psychological symptoms. Racing heart, difficulty breathing, sweating, brain fog, pains and stomach ache are some of the many physical symptoms that can stem from anxiety. Psychologically, anxiety contributes to a sense of fear and worry, preoccupation with the future or the past, and a lack of concentration on the present.

Anxiety and low self-esteem can impact how you show up in relationships and the type of partner that you attract. Through building awareness of your relationship patterns and learning to set boundaries and advocate for your needs, you can begin to shift patterns that are keeping you from finding a healthy relationship while building confidence in yourself, in and out of a relationship.