Amanda Lertzman
Intern, Final Year
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology,
Yorkville University
I have a deep understanding that healing is not linear, and facing challenges, big or small, is part of being human.
Healing comes from learning to open ourselves up to a path forward and it is moving through these challenges that brings growth. This comes through self-exploration, authentic expression, and a deeper understanding of what guides our interactions with the world.
Seeking support is a powerful step on this journey.
Please note that Amanda is a student completing her counselling psychology degree at Yorkville University and offers low cost counselling. Amanda is supervised by Matthew McDaniel, PhD and Registered Psychologist
my personal approach to counselling
I fundamentally believe that every person has the capacity for growth when offered a safe space that welcomes honest self-expression. I approach each client through a person-centred and trauma-informed lens, which means that our interactions will be a unique and shared effort as we gently explore your story together. Though at times it may be hard to recognize your own progress, as your counsellor, I will strive to reflect your resilience back to you every step of the way.
My hope as your counsellor is to provide a non-judgmental space of warmth and safety to explore your day-to-day challenges or take a deeper look into what may be holding you back from feeling a sense of wholeness in your life. My top priority in our work together is to build a foundation of patience, trust, and collaboration. If you feel overwhelmed or uncertain about where to begin, I invite you to show up just as you are. Together, we can build a path towards greater awareness and understanding of the emotions and beliefs that drive your behaviour and impact your experience.
With compassion and curiosity, my aim is to illuminate and balance the many experiences and relationships that shape your world. My values align with somatic awareness and mindfulness; I believe that building healthy relationships starts by strengthening the one we have with ourselves. By working together, I can help you gain access to your emotions, and better understand the role they play in your life, in the hopes of rebuilding a connection within yourself and with those around you.
I have a passionate and experiential understanding that all of our systems are intimately connected. Honouring the mind-body connection is a profound pathway to healing, as is learning to listen to the relationship and needs of each part that creates your full self. If you have been feeling disconnected from yourself, finding a way to balance these needs and feel more present and in control of your life is not something you have to do alone. As your counsellor, I hope to guide you through the integration of emotional healing with reconnection to your body, nature, and community.
Common concerns amanda enjoys working with:
Emotional Awareness & Expression
Trauma
Attachment Wounds
Stress and Burnout
Chronic Pain and Illness
Relational Challenges (Communication, Vulnerability, Boundary Setting)
Personal Development and Growth
APPROACH INFLUENCES:
My integrative and client-specific approach to counselling includes and is influenced by the following approaches:
Relationally and Attachment Focused therapy
Person Centred and Trauma Informed Approaches
Gestalt Theory
Mindfulness and Somatic Awareness