Amanda Stephans, LCSW

After graduating with my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, I received my Masters of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. I worked in the development and creation of prevention programs focusing on underage drinking, drug use, and suicide. I have also worked for therapy practices at the administrative and clinical level. With my experience working with a network of social service agencies throughout my career, I hold a strong belief in putting the needs of the individual first. I've been privileged to work with a range of individuals including teens, adults and couples. My focus has been helping those with depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. My experience has grown over the years to focus more on working with couples and individuals dealing with life transitions, grief and loss, family members of first responders and relationship issues. I am a strong advocate of using a strength-based perspective and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in practice, while bringing in experience from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Family Systems. Through a collaborative approach, I’ve learned that understanding an individual’s life experience is essential in delivering effective care. I believe my role as a therapist is to help clients create a strong foundation of self by providing perspective, support and motivation through working together to achieve their goals. In my personal time, I enjoy taking my golden retriever on long walks or hikes, visiting family and friends, or you can find me watching football or one of my favorite tv shows for the millionth time.