Amanda Rebel (she/her)

Sometimes, the words we use to describe what we are going through (talking) doesn't completely explain our pain or difficulties. Some things are difficult to put into words, yet are felt and sensed quite clearly. This is where non-verbal practices (art, movement, music, writing, storytelling, ritual) can be helpful, as they express--via creativity--the how, what and why of our situation. I am trained in facilitating expressive arts therapy sessions, and have simple tools to offer.

I often come back to the adage, "Don't believe everything that you think." I enjoy offering different perspectives regarding the relationship between our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. CBT is a structure I use because it offers a wide range of problem-solving tools to help challenge our beliefs, feelings and behaviors. We can explore new possibilities for coping with what is holding you back--this could include role playing, relaxation practices and other coping tools.

I often use mind-body exercises when helping people cope with stress, anxiety, depression and life changes. Since the mind and the body and interconnected, I often find that blending talking with body-based work often leads to more effective and long lasting relief. Also, as a certified yoga teacher of 20 years, I draw from yoga postures, breath practices and relaxation techniques I have collected over the years. Body centered therapy is paced with your comfort level.

I have worked with many women and men who initially seek out counseling for anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and work issues--and often underlying these problems is a lack of trust in themselves, lots of negative self-talk, and unfinished healing from past family and relationship events. My hope is to create a safe environment to better understand what is happening and to then collaborate in implementing skills that will foster self-confidence, and self acceptance.

The low energy, the black hole, the thoughts...If you are depressed and made it this far to read about how I specialize in depression, I want to praise you so hard! Depression can feel like overpowering energy that just doesn't let up. That you can't get out from under. I'm here to first hear how it has been affecting you and your life, to then create a space for us to find ways to simultaneously accept that depression is here--and to (baby steps) take action to activate your energy.

The jitters, the ruminating thoughts, the worries, the avoidance. Maybe the angry outbursts or the intense need to control or be perfect. Perhaps the ongoing shitty sleep. Anxiety can feel like torture, and I do not want you to feel ruled, or overpowered by it. I want to find ways to boost your coping skills, increase your awareness of body-cues, and track your progress. Holistic and therapeutic interventions can help immensely in dealing with anxiety!

As a highly sensitive therapist and person, I know first-hand what it is like to feel different. What a relief it can be to learn it's a natural trait that makes up around 20% of humans. We feel, think and experience things deeply, often need more downtime, may experience more emotional ups and down's and angry outbursts when at our max, and are prone to experiencing higher levels of stress, people-pleasing patterns, and low self-confidence. If you are having trouble managing, I am here.

The heaviness, hopelessness, and isolation. Possibly irritability, and very often feeling guilty and ashamed you can pull yourself out of the black hole. Your relationships may be faltering or blocked. You may feel a lot of sadness, and sometimes feel like the crying will never stop. Your sleep is inconsistent, and it is hard to just make it through the day. I want to find ways to gently create space for the depression to be here, and to take small steps towards action and change.