My Approach to Therapy
Compassion. Intention. Understanding.
Grow where you are planted.
Growth begins with one brave action.
Maybe you are here because you are struggling and are ready to get the support you need. Maybe you want to better understand yourself and your experiences. Maybe you’re here to change your life and find yourself again.
Whatever brought you here, you are one step away from making lasting change.
Are you ready to take the first step to becoming you again?
Get help from someone who gets it.
Hello! My name is Amanda Sweetbark, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado with a specialization in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, and general mood and anxiety disorders.
Originally trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and self-compassion, I now rely on the integration of all theoretical basics to create a well-rounded and person-centered therapy practice that is tailored to every individual client’s needs.
I have worked with a variety of different mental health diagnoses, but I originally became a part of the mental health profession to support individuals and their loved ones that are struggling with disordered eating behaviors such as restriction, bingeing, purging, laxatives or diuretics abuse, compulsive exercise, and many more.
I now focus on working with clients that have any combination of a trauma history, experience anxiety, depression, mood fluctuations, and disordered eating habits that are interested in improving their quality of life through improving their understanding of themselves, their beliefs, and their behaviors.
How I use therapeutic modalities to guide our work together.
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Particularly relevant in the context of eating disorders, ACT goes beyond identifying and challenging thoughts, emphasizing acceptance of distressing emotions and thoughts without judgment. This approach aids individuals in cultivating a more compassionate relationship with themselves, promoting a healthier response to triggers associated with disordered eating.
In trauma-focused therapy, ACT's focus on mindfulness and values-based action complements trauma healing by helping individuals connect with the present moment and engage in meaningful activities. The emphasis on acceptance, mindfulness, and committed action makes ACT a valuable therapeutic choice, empowering individuals to build resilience and make meaningful strides toward lasting well-being in the face of eating disorders and trauma.
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stands out as a highly effective and versatile choice for therapy, demonstrating success across various mental health concerns.
In the realm of eating disorders, CBT excels in identifying and restructuring distorted thoughts, offering practical interventions to modify negative cognitive patterns and address maladaptive behaviors. Its structured and goal-oriented nature empowers individuals to actively engage in their healing journey, fostering agency and resilience.
Similarly, in trauma-focused therapy, CBT proves effective by assisting in reshaping distorted thoughts related to traumatic experiences and employing gradual exposure techniques for safe processing of memories. CBT's collaborative and client-centered approach ensures tailored interventions, making it a well-founded choice for those navigating the complexities of eating disorders and trauma.
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Narrative Therapy provides individuals with a platform to deconstruct problematic narratives surrounding body image and self-worth. By externalizing issues and re-authoring personal stories, individuals can redefine their relationship with food and body image, fostering empowerment and self-compassion.
In the context of trauma-focused therapy, Narrative Therapy allows clients to reconstruct their narratives, emphasizing strengths and resilience in the face of adversity. Its focus on collaborative conversations and the exploration of alternative perspectives provides a safe space for individuals to rewrite their trauma narratives, fostering a sense of agency and facilitating the healing process.
Overall, Narrative Therapy stands as a valuable choice in therapy, encouraging self-discovery, resilience, and the creation of empowering narratives for those navigating the complexities of eating disorders and trauma.
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Person-Centered Therapy provides a nurturing space where individuals can explore their thoughts and emotions without judgment. With an emphasis on unconditional positive regard, clients feel accepted and supported in their journey toward a healthier relationship with food and body image.
In trauma-focused therapy, the person-centered approach allows individuals to express their experiences in a safe and trusting environment, fostering a sense of agency in reshaping their narratives.
This collaborative and empathetic therapy cultivates self-discovery, empowerment, and a strong therapeutic alliance, making Person-Centered Therapy a valuable choice for those navigating the complexities of eating disorders and trauma.
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Self-compassion Therapy encourages individuals to cultivate a kind and understanding relationship with themselves, helping to alleviate the harsh self-judgment often associated with body image issues. By fostering self-kindness and recognizing the shared human experience, Self-Compassion Therapy offers a healing space for those struggling with disordered eating patterns.
The emphasis on self-compassion becomes a crucial tool for individuals navigating the aftermath of trauma, providing a foundation for resilience and self-care.
By promoting mindfulness and a gentle acceptance of one's experiences, Self-Compassion Therapy proves invaluable in fostering emotional healing and well-being for those grappling with the complexities of eating disorders and trauma.
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Using a trauma-informed approach acknowledges the potential impact of past traumas on one's relationship with food and body image. By prioritizing safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment, Trauma-Informed Therapy creates a secure environment for individuals to explore and address the underlying factors contributing to disordered eating behaviors.
This approach recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on mental well-being and integrates strategies to minimize the risk of retraumatization. By fostering collaboration and empowerment, Trauma-Informed Therapy becomes a crucial ally for those navigating the intricate challenges of eating disorders and trauma, offering a path to lasting recovery and holistic healing.
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