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Amanda Bautista, LMFT
Ages: Adults (18+ years)
Teens (14-17 years)
Pre-Teen (12 years)
Experience: 5+ years
Amanda Bautista, LMFT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
#137977
For Amanda, developing a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation for successful therapy. Her warm personality, openness to feedback, and empathy create a safe and inviting environment where clients feel heard and understood. Amanda believes that each client is the expert in their own life. She aims to provide insight and skills needed to guide clients on their journey towards change and growth.
Amanda has over five years of clinical experience in non-profit agencies and school settings. She has experience working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, trauma, and self-harm. Amanda utilizes an integrative approach incorporating evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.
Amanda earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at San Francisco State University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling with an Emphasis on Child and Family Therapy at Palo Alto University. Before working as a therapist, Amanda worked in Applied Behavior Analysis, supporting children with Autism and their families.
When she’s not working, Amanda enjoys reading, finding new walking trails in the Bay Area, and spending time with her cat.
Concerns:
- Academic Stress
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Body Image
- Death, Grief, and Loss
- Depression
- Diversity/Cultural Identity
- Family Problems
- Financial Stress
- Health Anxiety
- Isolation/Loneliness
- LGBTQIA+, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
- Life Transitions
- Panic Attacks
- Relationships/Communication
- Self-Esteem
- Social Anxiety
- Stress
- Trauma
- Work/Career
Intensive Study/Specialization:
- Autism Spectrum
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness
- Motivational Interviewing
Marriage and Family Therapists are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy with a family systems influence, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders that affect individuals, couples, and families. The Federal government has designated marriage and family therapy as a core mental health profession along with psychiatry, psychology, social work and psychiatric nursing. The State of California support and regulate the profession by licensing MFTs.
Educational requirements
Marriage and Family Therapists have graduate training (either a masters or doctoral degree) in counseling psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. Prior to a rigorous exam process leading to licensure, LMFTs must complete at least 3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Before full licensure, LMFTs are called “Associates”. LMFTs are employed in a variety of private and public settings, including private practice, community mental health centers, and behavioral managed care organizations.
Do LMFTs only work with clients who are having problems in their marriages and families?
No. While LMFTs are qualified to do couples and family therapy, most LMFTs work with individual adults to not only enhance the quality of their relationships, but also decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
How can a LMFT help me?
Like other mental health professionals such as social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, LMFTs help clients by diagnosing and treating common emotional and behavioral difficulties that interfere with functioning at an optimal level. LMFTs use empirical-supported counseling techniques to help their clients achieve desired goals.