Amy Patterson
Thank you for exploring my profile. As a therapist, I see my role as a collaborator on this part of your self growth. I will offer various skills and support along the way, including CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, self reflection and more. My approach is relational and conversational, but not without keeping us focused on your goals. I look forward to working with you and seeing the positive changes you're able to accomplish!
First session
At your first appointment, we will discuss an over view of your history, including childhood to current. This can often help us have better insight as to current issues or situations you are experiencing. I will also review your mental health history, medical history and any past or current medications. And, of course, we will spend time talking about what's bringing you to therapy today. You will have an opportunity to ask me questions and to decide if you would like to schedule a follow up or not.
Strengths
My approach to working with clients is one of collaboration, curiosity and support. I am conversational in my approach while encouraging you to be the primary guide in our work, because you know you best. I am not in the role of giving advice or telling my clients what to do, but will certainly offer suggestions, skills, insights and education as needed. Primarily, I believe in body, mind and spirit. Which, in therapy, translates to doing/action (body), critical thinking (mind) and feeling/internal experience (spirit) and we will use various tools to integrate these for your overall well being. If you're looking to know specifically what I use, it is often DBT, CBT, mindfulness and insight-oriented techniques.
Ideal clients
I am here to help you with a variety of issues or circumstances, such as life transitions, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, trauma and many of other mental health concerns. I am experienced in substance and process addictions or behaviors, along with having specific training in working with those from a military background. If you're looking for short term, solution focused therapy I can provide that, but if you're looking for longer term, in-depth work I can provide that as well. I have some clients who have been with me between five and eight years. Both long term and short term therapy can be effective, but what makes it so is the work you put in outside of the therapy sessions.
Origin story
Becoming a therapist was an unexpected turn of events for me. I had an unsatisfying career as administrative assistant for top executives in banking and investments and often wondered what else I could do as a profession. After having my daughter, I went through post partum depression and sought help. This opened the door to my journey as a clinical social worker. After working with me for a while, my therapist asked if I ever thought about being a clinician. I was interested, and he guided me as to how to earn the degree I would need. Once I started the Masters of Social Work program, I felt like everything clicked and I knew I was on the right path. The path of fulfilling growth, education, and the opportunity to serve others that has lasted nearly 25 years.
Ongoing work together
Progress in therapy can be identified in multiple ways. For depression, we can complete screenings like the PhQ9, for anxiety the GAD7 and there are a number of other questionnaires and screenings that can be implemented to see how you have progressed. Although these are viable measures, self report is helpful, too. I also like to do periodic check ins and verbally identify what has changed for you since starting therapy and what you think still needs attention.
Treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
We will often use DBT skills, if it is a fit for you, that include tools such as mindfulness, self care, communication skills, distress tolerance and more. I like to draw from a few different tool boxes, however, based on what works for the client. So I am also well versed in CBT, solution focused and psychodynamic theory.
Location
Virtual sessions