Amanda Sneed

Namaste! My name is Amanda Sneed and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a client-centered therapist that loves what I do. I believe it is an honor to walk alongside individuals in their journeys. I view myself as a guide as it is not my journey. My role is to assist in navigating individuals toward gaining insight and awareness into empowered choices and decisions.

My approach

I work with clients by combining cognitive behavior therapy with mindfulness practices. I work toward client building a strong sense of self and empowerment. I work with clients to build a strong sense of support and learn self-awareness to recognize patterns. In this awareness, clients can then create new opportunities for growth to support their own authentic journey.

My focus

My ideal client is anyone that is seeking change and looking to create more balance in their life. My goal is to create normalcy in the process of finding support during times when we need clarity. Whether or not there is an identified focus, I will walk individuals through gaining awareness and increasing skills to enhance life functioning through a client-centered and empowerment focus. I work with adults on a diverse range of issues. My experience includes working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, low self-esteem, difficult life transitions, and trauma (including working with women in a domestic violence shelter). I work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporate education and mindfulness approaches in conjunction to support each other. My professional experiences include a large social services agency and the Alzheimer's Association, in addition to working in group practice providing psychotherapy. I also have a working knowledge including a holistic background by receiving specialty training from the Chicago College of Healing Arts. You will often find my rescue dogs accompanying me in our sessions.

My communication style

My goal is that any individual will take away a feeling of validation. I strive to support people and validate their feelings and experiences as real for them. I wish to create a safe space to make connections and learn tools to decrease the intensity of the discomfort they are experiencing. Seeking therapy is a vulnerable and brave step toward self and I hope to encourage that by normalizing the process.

My journey to mental healthcare

Initially working with children is what drove me toward social work. I began my career in the foster care system. This was a very challenging beginning but a wonderful learning experience. I went then into Adoptions which was a heartwarming position coming from the foster care system. From here I worked in a nonprofit agency providing casework and counseling and this is where my true career began in working with adults in a clinical setting. From this time on, I have been providing counseling to adults and have never looked back.

My goals for you

What clients gain by working with me is my ability to provide an unbiased perspective that offers individuals alternative ways of experiencing their situations. Allowing clients a safe space to process and make connections, clients are able to disrupt the patterns they are stuck in and are not able to see otherwise. I encourage individuals to connect with their authentic selves and provide tools to increase their confidence and intuitive skills to make these decisions for themselves.

My first session with you

My goal is to offer clients time to share what brings them to seek out therapy. I want to understand their perspective and what their goals and priorities are that are guiding them. I want to normalize this experience and offer a gentle approach to beginning their therapy.