A Therapist for Building Coping Skills

Welcome to our new team member Amanda McGraw. I asked Amanda some questions to gain better insight into how she approaches and views practicing psychotherapy.

When did you first think about becoming a therapist?

The first time I thought about becoming a therapist was back in 2010. In high school, I took an elective psychology class that solidified my interest in therapeutic practice. The teacher explained such a wide variety of topics in a way that clicked for me.

I also remember the teacher listing a quote from a well-known psychologist or psychoanalyst on the whiteboard before each class. That course inspired me to continue studying psychology and social work and eventually become a therapist.

Why did you first find interest in psychology and social work?

I knew I wanted to help others work towards their goals while fostering a sense of empowerment and inner peace. Additionally, psychology and social work help explain how we process and navigate different aspects of our life. There is something so fascinating about understanding what motivates our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and interactions with others.

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology but, in the process, found interest in social work. My initial draw to social work came from my passion for social justice and recognizing the internal and external factors that influence a person’s identity and perspective.

What’s the thing you like most about being a therapist?

What I value most is supporting others through periods of adversity. I feel incredibly grateful to collaborate with clients and help them develop skills to navigate their emotions. Beginning therapy can feel overwhelming and daunting, so I love being able to offer a safe, supportive environment where clients can feel heard and encouraged.

What is your general approach to helping people in therapy?

My general approach is dynamic and person-centered with the belief that each person has unique lived experiences that impact their well-being and self-concept. With that comes the understanding that the client is the expert in their life. I pull from a variety of methods to help individuals engage in self-reflection and gain deeper insight into their internalized beliefs.

During sessions, I give time for clients to check in and discuss their week and feelings that may have come up. Often this leads to conversations about thought patterns, interpersonal dynamics, and coping skills.

What does a typical first session look like in your intakes?

First, I spend some time with introductions, which can make the experience less impersonal or clinical. There are some general questions I ask during intake sessions about the client’s experience with therapy and the feelings and goals they would like to address in future sessions.

I allow the client to share as much as they feel comfortable, which looks different from person to person. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental space where rapport builds over time.

What do you like to do to practice self-care?

I like to spend as much time outdoors as possible and connect with my friends, family, and dogs. I’m passionate about music and have been playing guitar for years, so I also listen to and play music as a self-care practice.

Part of self-care for me is knowing when I need to spend time alone to recharge, which usually looks like watching a comfortable TV show, going for a walk, or sometimes traveling out of the New York City area for a couple of days.

If you could have dinner with one psychology guru (alive or dead), who and why?

Marsha Linehan, who developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), is the first person that comes to mind. DBT, which emphasizes skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, is such a valuable method I draw upon in my practice. The tools and techniques DBT offers help so many people, especially those facing acute mental health conditions. I also respect Marsha Linehan’s vulnerability in sharing her personal experience with mental health.

If you are looking to find a therapist, feel free to reach out here for more information.