MEET AMANDA PEREZ
Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida. I have been working in the counseling field for over 15 years and truly love this work. I meet with clients from all across the state through video sessions and in person in the Clearwater area. I also provide therapy services to individuals and families temporarily living outside of the USA (such as missionaries or temporary relocations) where the licensing board permits.
EDUCATION & TRAINING:
I received my MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Central Florida and received my BA from Florida State University where I dual majored in Family & Child Sciences and Sociology.
I have worked in the field across locations including high school and college campuses, inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment facilities, a pregnancy support center, and a Specialized Therapeutic Foster Care Program, and now through private practice. I have worked with clients from ages 2-85!
I have specialized training in couples therapy including Level 1 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, parenting, trauma, and foster care.
I specialize in relationships
All types of relationships- Couples, parent/child, foster families, colleagues, employer/employee, friendships, down to the more abstract and still very real relationships with food, exercise, work, substances, etc.
If you find yourself stuck in any of these relationships, having tried to navigate them differently numerous times (or perhaps your whole life?), there is hope. We will work our way through the content of the problem down to the process of the problem to create more lasting change. What I mean is that the content (the story, the details, "he said, she said", the "first this, then this" of the problems) is a jumping off point to find the bigger picture of what's going on (the process- underlying interactions/connections/triggers/physiological responses taking place that we aren't always clued into). To make lasting change, I work with clients to increase their insight into themselves and their relationships and gain the skills necessary to make more functional and satisfying choices.
What can you expect from me?
I work with my clients actively to develop new approaches, patterns, and skills. I create a space for you to work through whatever is blocking you right now- a trauma, constant verbal matches or silence with a spouse, wanting to change careers or your lifestyle but not knowing where to start, parenting struggles, racing thoughts, low motivation, whatever made you think "it's time to get a new perspective on this." I am active in my role as a therapist. I give space and silence and gentleness all in its appropriate time and I will challenge you as well. You can expect me to advocate for your best self and your best relationships through thorough assessment, evidence-based approaches, educating about the science behind the symptoms, and through collaborative work.
If there is one thing I hope you take away from this page, it is that I am dedicated to helping motivated clients untangle the mess and make real, tangible, and satisfying changes to their lives and relationships. Click the "Unlock Therapy" button below for a free 20 minute consultation to see how we can get started.