Amanda Meier Therapy | Mississauga, ON

MEET AMANDA

ABOUT

I began working in the mental health field 12 years ago as a research assistant. This role sparked my interest in mental health care and therapy. Over the past decade, I have engaged in formal education, personal exploration, and professional opportunities to expand my knowledge and appreciation of health, emotions, and wellbeing.

During this time, I have worked in hospitals (both inpatient and outpatient mental health departments), community organizations (counselling and case management roles) and school systems (counselling support for students). My diverse experiences have helped me uncover my strengths and weaknesses, narrow my focus to the therapeutic work I am best at, and dedicate my life to it.

Everyone seeks therapy for different reasons. I base my practice in understanding your personal situation, needs, and goals and use evidence-based therapeutic models to help you gain insight into your situation and make healthy changes in your life. My practice primarily draws from attachment theory, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and trauma therapy.

The field of therapy is ever-changing and I participate in regular learning opportunities to ensure that I am providing the best care possible. In addition to the trainings described below, I receive monthly trauma-focused clinical supervision from Ian Robertson, MSW, RSW, and monthly attachment-focused clinical supervision from Annette Kussin, MSW, RSW, both well-respected specialists in the field.

Academic Qualifications

Master of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University (2014)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Western University (2010)

Professional Trainings

Foundations of Applied Mindfulness Meditation Certificate, University of Toronto (current)
Attachment-Focused Adult Psychotherapy, Advanced Course Certificate, Sick Kids Centre for Community Mental Health (2021)
Trauma Levels 1 and 2 Certificates, Sick Kids Centre for Community Mental Health (2020)
Polyvagal Theory and Trauma Treatment Certificate, Wilfrid Laurier University (2020)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Certificate, Wilfrid Laurier University (2019)

Professional Memberships

Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Ontario Association of Social Workers

ABOUT

SERVICES

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy provides people with the opportunity to better understand themselves and why they feel, think, and act the way they do.

I view therapy as a collaborative process and will spend time getting to know you and tailoring all work and recommendations to your particular needs and goals.

My areas of speciality include relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Relationship Issues

Connections with others (romantic partners, family, friends, and colleagues) can be some of the most rewarding and challenging parts of life. For some, it feels nearly impossible to open up. For others, relationships are filled with conflict and confusion.

Therapy can help you learn to set realistic expectations of yourself and others, establish healthy boundaries, and find ways to get your needs met in relationships.

Using attachment theory and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) principles, I work with individuals to better understand why their relationship difficulties occur and how to create and maintain more fulfilling connections with others.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a universal emotion that everyone experiences. However, if it is intense and interfering with your quality of life, therapy can help you learn to manage it more effectively.

I first work with individuals to understand what anxiety really is and why it occurs and then help individuals learn strategies to reduce its’ intensity and frequency.

These strategies are based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and might include challenging anxious thoughts and beliefs, facing feared situations, and learning grounding skills to regulate physiological changes caused by anxiety.

Depression

Depression, as well as general feelings of low mood and motivation, can dramatically impact your quality of life. For some, depression is situational (temporary and specific to current life events) and for others, it is long-lasting.

Regardless of duration, I work with individuals to understand the causes of depression in their lives and discover both behavioural and cognitive strategies to manage it effectively.

Trauma and PTSD

The term ‘trauma’ encompasses any experience that is overwhelming and distressing. If you have experienced trauma, it might have left lasting effects on your quality of life, relationships, and daily functioning. Just like trauma can take on many forms, the treatment of trauma can as well.

I work with individuals to understand how trauma is impacting their lives, provide education about the impact of trauma, teach strategies to manage triggers, process the ways in which trauma has impact their views of themselves and others, and help them heal from the wounds it caused.

Couples Therapy

It is very common for couples to experience challenges with communication, especially during times of relationship stress or transition. Communication issues can quickly lead to emotional pain and feelings of being alone or misunderstood.

I provide attachment-focused therapy to couples who are interested in better understanding why they feel and act the way they do in their relationship. When that understanding is established, I then teach couples communication strategies that will fit each of their particular needs and lead to meaningful change in their relationship.

TREATMENT