Amanda Atkins, LMFT, C-PMH, Founder

Approach to Therapy:

I believe we are influenced, not defined, by our relationships and pasts. It is important to understand that link before we are able to successfully change our behaviors. I also believe the relationship between therapist and client is an important part of healing and change. It is an honor to be a therapist and I am fortunate to walk through life with my clients. 

I prefer a warm, collaborative approach to therapy and enjoy getting to know my clients and gaining an understanding of what brought them to their current place in life. I appreciate humor in therapy and believe laughter can (and often should) be part of the healing process.

Clinical Interests:

My specialties are in couple's issues, grief and loss (particularly partner, parent, or child loss), illness, and women's issues, as well as infertility, and parenting. The therapeutic techniques I use come from a variety of schools of thought, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, internal family systems, and transgenerational family therapy. I also have a specific interest in providing therapy for other therapists, focusing on the unique challenges associated with being a mental health provider.

Education and Training:

I hold a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee and a master's degree from Northwestern University. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of Illinois as well as an AAMFT approved supervisor. I am a certified perinatal mental health therapist. I also hold a certification as a Prepare/Enrich facilitator, which primarily serves premarital couples. I have had advanced training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders from Postpartum Support International and am a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. I’m currently in the process of being EMDR trained. As a frequent guest lecturer at both the Family Institute at Northwestern University as well as Northwestern Medical School, I’m passionate about education and training.

In the past, I've worked in many different therapeutic settings including hospice, agency, and group practice. I started my own group practice in 2015 because I wanted to create a space that provided accessible therapy by clinicians who share my vision.

3 Things I love:

I'm passionate about social justice, animals, and good horror films.