Amanda Kelsheimer

Amanda Kelsheimer, LCSW

She/her/hers – what are personal pronouns and why do they matter?

Clients I work with: Children and teens (aged 2 to 18), families, parents and caregivers, and adult individuals.

Issues I work with: Parenting practices, school performance, behavioral concerns, communication, life transitions, grief or loss, blended families, multigenerational families, gender identity, sexual identity, youth and teen exploration of self/identity, strengthening attachment and/or connection, defiance, impulsivity, dysregulation, tantrums, autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, separation,  finding shared parenting strategies, social skills, military life, bullying, self-esteem, and shame.

 

I see our human struggles as an opportunity for a deeper and more meaningful connection with ourselves and others. Our pain often shines a light on our experiences of connection that do not feel secure, open, or satisfying. Where we can pay attention to the signals that our emotional world offers up, this can help us better understand any unmet needs more fully.  

I work with children (aged 2 and above), tweens, teens, their families, parents and caregivers, and adults. I recognize that each client has their own unique perspective, strengths, and resources. I focus on supporting clients to creatively turn their pain into coping skills, missed connections into secure relationships, and problematic behaviors into strengths and resiliency. My goal is to make therapy a positive and rewarding experience for you and/or your family.

My approach to treatment is culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and grounded in holistic theory, the belief in treating “the whole person.”  I value exploring developmental, familial, biological, societal, and cultural influences and believe these aspects often impact how we view and relate to ourselves, others, and the world.

Our body and brain are in a constant state of development and adjustment until the age of 25. For the most part, children/teens are very resilient and able to adjust to the challenges life can throw their way. Sometimes children and families are faced with difficult circumstances that are stressful or overwhelming. Families may also go through experiences that include disruption in the relationships they have with each other, impacting the security and connection they may have previously felt. You may also be finding that previously effective parenting strategies are no longer working.

You might be noticing your child’s personality change or they might be more sensitive than usual. Distress in children and teens tends to show up as a decreased ability to tolerate emotions or transitions, acting out or tantrums, academic issues, withdrawing from relationships or activities they previously enjoyed, behavioral challenges, or somatic issues such as aches or pains.

Parenting through these times is hard and knowing how best to help your child/teen to navigate the challenges of life can sometimes feel stressful and overwhelming. I support children and caregivers alike to learn new ways of responding and supporting one another as they navigate different developmental stages, life challenges, or transitions.

Parents are actively included and supported throughout therapy. I focus on practical, real-world strategies that build security and connection through a balance of nurture, engagement, structure, and challenge.  These strategies are a resource that can then be leaned upon at different development stages, life experiences, and through adversity.

I integrate attachment, trauma-informed, narrative, cognitive-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy modalities in my work with all ages. I draw from the wisdom of these models as needed so that I can be responsive to the unique needs of each family. I also have a growing interest in the utilization of somatic, body-focused models in my work.

I also lean upon Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) when working with children ages 2.5 to 6.5 years old, and their caregivers. This practical approach strengthens your attachment with your child and allows for both warmth and structure in all interactions. You will learn play-therapy skills to use with your child that help them to better focus, listen and manage their emotions. PCIT offers parents guidance on the best ways to be predictable, consistent, calm, and present.

I particularly value working with parents to identify the ways in which their own attachment history and family of origin experiences may be influencing their current parenting strategies and family dynamics. Our internal maps for parenting are powerful reflections of the kind of parenting we experienced, and we can often find ourselves playing these same patterns out even if we are aware of their limitations.

Parenting is a space in which you may feel particularly vulnerable or uncertain and I want to offer reassurance that my role is to highlight and capitalize on your strengths, expand your skills and confidence, and support any needs for healing in a way that feels validating, nurturing, and safe.

As two humans coming together, I recognize that each parent or caregiver has unique family experiences, needs, and goals. I work with parents to engage in reflection and increased alignment with each other to find parenting strategies that work for everyone. I collaborate with blended families and multigenerational families to discover the ways in which they can nurture a shared parenting style and family culture that makes sense for everyone.

I’m also passionate about working with youth, teens, and adults in ways that support their sexual and gender identity exploration, and identify as an LGBTQ-IA ally and affirming therapist.

My work with individuals includes working with those who may suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma, relational concerns, and self-worth issues. I support clients to explore their life experiences and how these may have shaped them mentally, emotionally, physically, relationally, and spiritually. I offer a secure and attuned place from which clients can explore their struggles, heal old wounds, and create lasting change.

I frequently work with adults who struggle with feelings of unworthiness, difficulty organizing or tolerating emotions, or relationship patterns that don’t feel satisfying or secure. Where you have needed to develop protections or believe that secure connection or safety is not available to you, I can help you to work through the unresolved pain that limits your present reality. You deserve to feel worthy, valuable, safe and seen and I look forward to being alongside you in your journey to feeling whole.

I practice radical inclusion and cultural humility and look forward to working with and affirming clients of all races, genders, abilities, and sexualities.