Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
LMFT-A
Supervisor: Paula Emerick LMFT
Currently accepting clients for sex, couples, and relational therapy. Specialties include non-monogamy, kink, and c-ptsd.
Client Status
971-940-0368
107 SE Washington St. STE 470
Portland, 97214
Rate: $150-$200
Provides free initial consultation
Practicing Since: 2022
Languages: English
Are you having the same fight with your partner in a slightly different context each time? Do you feel stuck even though you love your partner? Do you feel like you're consistently enacting behaviors in your relationship that you're not proud of? Whether you're looking for couples, poly, or individual therapy, we start with validating the barriers such as systems of oppression or poor modeling of intimacy that can prevent us from leading with emotional maturity or our best selves.
Specialties
If you feel stuck in a negative conflict cycle and as if you cannot break this pattern with your partner, EFT could be for you. We will focus on attachment, emotional safety, and greater emotional intimacy while working from an EFT lens. We will aim to deepen the emotional bond while also catering to your specific relationship structure. I use a socio-culturally attuned approach with using EFT which allows me to translate the theory to queer couples.
Whether your looking to re-author the story of your life, align with a new narrative, or deconstruct dominant narratives, working with narrative therapy is a great way for us to co-author your story. My skills as a narrative therapist are focused on facilitating the process of narrative exploration and reconstruction, helping clients gain a fresh perspective on their lives, and empowering them to make meaningful changes in the stories they tell about themselves and their relationship.
With extensive experience in the Gottman Approach, I have catered this empirically backed theory to clients of all backgrounds. I tailor Gottman to your unique needs and concerns while utilizing its structured approach. Gottman is specifically great for couples or individuals looking to enhance communication skills, conflict resolution, and emotional connection.
When it comes to understanding your own unique trauma, triggers, and inner child, there is no theory like IFS! Once we building a trusting therapeutic connection, we can utilize IFS to empower you to access the compassionate, centered and wise being that you are. Once we work together to guide you to trust your inner parts, we will watch the triggers melt away.
Specialties
I am well-versed in addressing issues related to sexuality, helping you explore and enhance your sexual well-being, and fostering healthy, fulfilling connections. Whether you're dealing with sexual discrepancies, sexual abuse trauma, ED, or orgasm inequity, we will work together to get to the root of the sexual issue. Exploring sexual health and well being is my top priority in all sexually fluid, asexual, or kink contexts. I use a non-judgemental and affirming stance with all sexual concerns.
I specialize in identifying and helping couples break free from repetitive, unproductive patterns of conflict. Together, we'll explore the underlying issues and develop healthier ways to communicate and resolve disagreements. We'll develop conflict resolution skills tailored to your unique dynamics. You'll learn how to manage disagreements constructively, leading to greater harmony and intimacy in your relationship. My goal is not just to resolve the current conflict but to help you both grow.
I have extensive experience working with individuals in various non-monogamous relationship structures and that personal issues are not inherently tied to your relationship style. We can focus on improving communication skills, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering trust and intimacy within your relationship(s).
I offer expertise in supporting transgender and non-binary individuals in their journey, including discussions around gender identity, transitioning, and sexual health. I specialize in working with LGBTQI+ couples and families, helping you navigate the complexities of relationships, communication, and intimacy within a supportive and affirming context. I understand the diverse experiences within the LGBTQI+ community and provide a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental space.
I provide guidance on navigating issues related to body image, consent, and self-acceptance. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and confidential environment where you can openly explore your feelings and thoughts related to your femininity. We can challenge societal stereotypes and expectations about femininity, allowing you to define it on your terms and break free from any limitations that may have been imposed on you.
Amanda Best has not posted any group sessions.
Amanda Best has not published any articles.