Amy Ratkovich
I believe therapy is more than a service; it's a professional relationship built on trust, curiosity, and genuine care. Meaningful change takes time, and I value getting to know you as a whole person rather than simply treating a collection of symptoms. Together, we'll explore your experiences, relationships, and the patterns that shape your life, including what your mind and body may be communicating. My approach blends relational, psychodynamic, and somatic therapies, with an emphasis on understanding rather than judgment. My hope is that through our work together, you'll develop a deeper understanding of yourself, greater confidence in your own judgment, and more freedom to live and relate to others in ways that feel authentic to you.
First session
During our first session, you can expect to tell me a little about what brought you to therapy and why you've decided to begin now. I'll ask questions to get to know you better, and you're always welcome to ask questions about me and Ill answer authentically in service to you. We'll also talk about your goals, what you hope to gain from therapy, and how we might work together to help you get there. There's no pressure to share everything at once or have it all figured out. Our first session is simply an opportunity to get acquainted and begin exploring whether we're a good fit.
Strengths
Clients often tell me that working with me feels different because I don't simply validate their experiences; I also challenge them to look more deeply. I believe genuine empathy means being able to understand someone without needing them to share my beliefs, values, or perspective. I understand some people like that and you are welcome to ask me any questions you like. I will answer as long as it serves your mental well being to do so. That being said, I believe I have cultivated this ability to see value in many ways of being in the world having lived in both rural Midwestern and urban West Coast communities. Not better or worse, just different. I've also invested deeply in my own personal growth, which allows me to bring authenticity, self-awareness, and openness to our work. I'm comfortable exploring difficult subjects, noticing patterns that may not be immediately apparent, and offering honest reflections without judgment. My goal isn't to tell you who to be, but to help you understand yourself well enough to make those decisions for yourself.
Ideal clients
I welcome clients who are ready to begin the work of understanding themselves more deeply and making meaningful changes in their lives. I've found that women who are highly sensitive, neurodivergent, or navigating ADHD particularly benefit from my experience and approach. Above all, I value curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore yourself with honesty and compassion so you can move beyond familiar limitations and create a more fulfilling life.
Origin story
I've always been curious about human nature and what makes people who they are. Psychology offered an opportunity to explore that curiosity while building a meaningful career. Over the years, what I've come to value most is the depth of understanding that can develop between two people when there's room for curiosity, honesty, and genuine connection.
Ongoing work together
Therapy is a process, and what our work looks like will depend on you, your goals, and what you find most helpful. Some sessions may involve exploring patterns and gaining insight, while others may focus on working through difficult emotions or navigating something happening in your life. Often, you'll recognize progress simply because you begin to feel better, understand yourself more clearly, or notice that things that once felt difficult have become easier. If you prefer a more structured way to track progress, we can also use rating scales and regularly revisit your goals. Like everything else in our work together, how we measure progress will be something we decide collaboratively, based on what works best for you.
Treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
My approach is grounded in Carl Rogers' three core conditions for meaningful therapeutic change: accurate empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. This begins with genuine curiosity, asking open-ended questions, and taking the time to understand who you are and who you are becoming. I strive to embody these principles not only in my professional work but also in my everyday life. By bringing them into our relationship, I hope to become someone with whom you feel safe enough to explore yourself openly and honestly, without fear of judgment. I believe that as you experience genuine understanding and acceptance, you become better able to offer those same qualities to yourself. From that foundation of self-acceptance, the changes you desire can become more accessible.
Psychodynamic
Many of us find ourselves living the same story in different forms—having the same arguments, choosing similar relationships, struggling with familiar fears, or feeling stuck in patterns we don't fully understand. Psychodynamic therapy invites us to slow down and become curious about those patterns. Together, we'll explore how your past experiences, relationships, and beliefs may continue to influence your life today, sometimes outside of your awareness. We may also notice how these patterns emerge in our conversations, offering opportunities for understanding them in the present moment. The goal isn't to dwell on the past or assign blame. It's to recognize how your experiences have shaped you, understand what may once have served a purpose but no longer does, and discover new possibilities. As you become more aware of what influences your thoughts, feelings, and choices, you gain greater freedom to respond intentionally rather than repeating what has become familiar.
Somatic
Our minds and bodies are constantly communicating, but we don't always recognize what our bodies are telling us. Stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions can show up as physical sensations, such as tension in the shoulders, a knot in the stomach, or changes in our breathing. In my work, I help you become curious about these sensations and develop a greater capacity to experience them without becoming overwhelmed or needing to escape them. When we struggle to feel comfortable in our own skin, it can be difficult to believe that others might understand or accept us. It can also make it harder to recognize the emotional and relational patterns that shape our lives. By strengthening the connection between mind and body, we create more opportunities to explore those patterns with curiosity rather than judgment. As you become more comfortable with your internal experiences, you may find it easier to understand yourself, tolerate difficult emotions, and develop deeper, more meaningful relationships. Ultimately, my goal is to help you feel more at ease in your own skin, so you can engage more fully with yourself, others, and the life you want to create.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you develop a healthier relationship with your thoughts, feelings, and internal experiences. Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable emotions or treat every thought as an absolute truth, we'll practice noticing and accepting these experiences without allowing them to dictate your choices. Through mindfulness, curiosity, and self-compassion, we'll explore what truly matters to you and how to make choices that align with your values. The goal is to develop greater psychological flexibility, so you can respond to life's challenges with more intention and move toward a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you recognize how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we'll explore the assumptions and interpretations that shape your experiences, particularly those that contribute to anxiety, self-criticism, or recurring difficulties. Through curiosity, reflection, and practical strategies, we'll examine whether familiar ways of thinking are accurate or helpful and consider alternative perspectives. We'll also explore how making small changes in your responses and behaviors can create new experiences. The goal is to develop greater awareness, flexibility, and confidence in your ability to navigate life's challenges.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 124308
- WisconsinLicense 2018 - 124