About Amanda Schmidt
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Experiential Therapy
Attachment-based
Expressive Arts
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Feminist
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Amanda Schmidt
I received my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. I have also pursued post-graduate training in psychodrama, relational psychoanalysis, sand tray therapy, gestalt therapy, mindfulness, and physical theater. In my personal life, I have been a dedicated practitioner of yoga and meditation for 24 years.
I work primarily with individual adults, and I am a particularly good fit for people who have tried talk therapy before and found that it "plateaued;" people often seek me out to go deeper on their journey. My clients struggle with issues including anxiety, depression, complex trauma, PTSD, relationship issues, grief, life transitions, and identity questions.
I am also a performing artist and work well with artists who may be experiencing issues relating to creative work, such as writing blocks, procrastination, stage fright, dissociation, and excessive self-criticism/perfectionism.
Also, for those drawn to depth-oriented therapy: I have 15 years of experience working with archetypal images (such as tarot cards), symbols, and dreams. Many clients have been drawn into my practice who are recovering from religious trauma and are interested in reconnecting with their spirituality through a different lens. Others are artists who feel connected to the language of symbols and find it to be a potent pathway to new perspectives and meaning. I am happy to integrate these modalities into the therapeutic work for those who request it.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My approach to therapy is rooted in a "parts model" (similar to the "parts" in Internal Family Systems). In this model, we envision the client as being made of many different parts that can strengthened or gently quieted. Much of the therapeutic work involves developing self-awareness and self-acceptance, as well as building the skills to integrate these parts so they work well as a whole team inside of you. For example, if you struggle with anxiety, you may have an "anxious part," but there are many other parts of you beyond your anxiety. With practice, you can learn to connect with other parts when you're feeling anxious that can help you to feel grounded and safe.
My work is also experiential, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive. In brief, this means I will help you connect more deeply with your body in this moment, respect your boundaries and prioritize your safety in our work, validate the impact of cultural systems on your mental health, and support you as the authority of your experiences and choices.
Many people find that, through this work, they feel more empowered. They may have fewer experiences in which a mental health challenge is "happening to them," and instead feel that they have the awareness and skills to navigate difficulties as they arise. In my view, mental wellness does not mean you will never experience sadness, fear, anger, or other uncomfortable states of being, but it means you can make new choices about how to respond to these states that better support you in “weathering life's storms.”
What is your typical process for working with clients?
In our first few sessions, we will develop an initial road map for the work ahead, which involves clarifying the issues that are currently causing difficulty for you, determining your goals for therapy, and highlighting your unique strengths that we can draw from in the work together. I will provide more information about the “parts model” approach so that you understand the reasoning for the methods we will use in the work. And most importantly, I will listen closely, respect your boundaries, and let you take the lead so we can develop a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship that unfolds at your pace.
As sessions progress, our work together proceeds creatively. I will always attune to your needs in the present moment and follow your process, allowing the session to flow spontaneously. I will frequently invite you to connect with the felt experiences in your body and patterns in you breathing, helping to integrate your body into the space of the "talk therapy." As an integrative therapist, I may propose many different techniques to try in session, such as breathing exercises, guided meditation, body scans, role play, dream work, active imagination, gentle movement, or psychoeducation. Or, I may focus on processes happening in the "here and now" in the therapeutic relationship. Whatever technique I may propose, the client always has the option to decline, and I support clients in advocating for their needs, in and out of session.
If you are looking for a very structured approach to therapy in which the session proceeds in an identical way from week to week, or one with specific homework assignments/worksheets, I would not be the best fit for you. I work best with clients who are open to trying new things. If this sounds like you, please reach out for a phone consultation!
Amanda Schmidt, LCPC, MS is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Johns Hopkins University, Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
NPI number
1417544941
How soon can I make an appointment with Amanda Schmidt?
Generally, Amanda Schmidt has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Amanda Schmidt's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Amanda Schmidt accepting new patients?
Amanda Schmidt generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Amanda Schmidt's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Amanda Schmidt accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Amanda Schmidt is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Amanda Schmidt online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Amanda Schmidt using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Amanda Schmidt work with?
Amanda Schmidt works with Dream Wilderness Psychotherapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Amanda Schmidt?
Amanda Schmidt frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Amanda Schmidt on their profile.
What languages does Amanda Schmidt speak?
Amanda Schmidt speaks English.