We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Marks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.
Hi Amanda, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from myself and working through and overcoming challenges and trauma that have I have encountered during my life. I believe I’m a determined individual and I can be stubborn at times, so that’s given me the grit I needed to not give up or give in. I’ve encountered many challenges professionally and personally have experienced significant losses and while these were incredibly difficult and challenging events, I did not give up. I continued on my path and was able to bounce back or move in a direction that I needed to move in.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a psychotherapist in private practice. I work with young adults and adults that have experienced trauma and anxiety in their lives. I help to give them the tools needed to overcome their challenges and to help them identify purpose in their lives. I also work with individuals that struggle with disordered eating/body image issues and eating disorders.
A few years ago I got trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and this has been a life changer for many of my clients. About a year ago, I started offering EMDR Intensives which last from 3 hours up to several days where clients receive individualized treatment to achieve their mental health related goals. I incorporate art and yoga into these intensives as well.
Speaking of yoga, I’ve received over 500 hours of yoga training and have even co-taught a Yin Yoga Teacher Training in Goa, India. I love incorporating the various aspects of yoga into my work as a therapist. I’m hoping to start leading retreats again to focusing genuine and accessible self-care.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that have helped me achieve my goals/dreams have been resilience, determination and not being afraid to make a mistake or mess up. Developing these skills can help in many parts of our lives, professionally and personally. Addressing these issues within my own therapy have also helped me to foster these qualities.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents have always been incredibly supportive and encouraging. I realize I’ve very fortunate to have parents like them. My parents were also self-employed and it helped me to see that designing a work-life that worked best for me was and is possible! They also gave the gift of travel starting at a young age which has inspired me to explore the world!
Contact Info:
- Website: ResilientCounseling.net
- Instagram: @amandamarks.lpc.ryt
