“Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.”
--Mary Oliver
We are not one dimensional. We each have layers, and sides and parts that are interacting, and sometimes fighting to coexist inside of us all the time. The work of therapy is growing this sustained awareness of our own complexities, ceasing the fight and increasing the acceptance of who we are.
Work with me is always flexible, person-centered and individualized to your needs, goals, and situation.
Therapy with me also includes exploring creative outlets, that areas of interest to clients, and/or unknown to them at this point; because I believe creativity is a key resource to be tapped into for human growth and change.
Through creativity, and compassionate therapeutic alliance, I help clients interact with the daily mental and physical struggles of human existence, increase social, communication skills, stress management ability and much more, to grow to their full desired potential.
Amanda Anastasio, LICSW, RYT
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a trained and certified yoga teacher, as well as lifelong yogi. I blend these two passions as a result of my belief and experience of yoga as a practical approach to self-understanding, self- transformation, and self-realization. Yoga, in conjunction with talk-therapy accelerates the ability to be self-aware, to bring consciousness to the surface. This is the first and one of the most important steps to healing, improved health, and an integrated life balance.
In addition, I employ and am trained in the evidence-based theories of Neuropsych-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (NCBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MCBT), and the unique, empirically based psychological intervention, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as psychoanalytic and psychodynamic approaches. These approaches combined with yoga, breath work, and meditation practices in the therapy room, help to tap into the somatic experience of life, of one's thoughts, choices, and patterns. This way of treating mental health as part of a whole person, integrating body and mind allows for an empowered, specialized, unique treatment for each individual.
According to the way I practice, there is no body and mind as separate entities. They in fact, are one thing, and must be treated and worked with as such. There is much discussion in my sessions on how your body’s experience is involved, felt, acknowledged, in your day to day life, informing mental and emotional well-being.
I have expertise with trauma, anxiety disorders, -specifically trichotillomania, (hair pulling disorder), stress management and coping, eating disorders, family and relationships, cancer and healing from illness. See services page for the full list of specialties.
My previous work includes inpatient psychiatric care at Cambridge Hospital, Atrius Health Outpatient Clinic in Boston, MA, and the Massachusetts Child Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI). I worked for 2 years as part of the Massachusetts Child Trauma Project . (MCTP) I worked exclusively with families who have had complex trauma, to heal, re-attach, and re-learn elements of family connection and grounding.
My work has a strong ethical grounding and I experience profound respect for the human condition, including all diversities and cultures. I abide by the NASW code of ethics with NO exceptions. I am honored to be a part of my client's lives and privileged to help them further their understanding in their own lives and patterns, in order to do better, feel better, and make lasting change.
I received a Bachelor’s degree from Boston University, and a Masters in Clinical Social Work at Simmons College, both in Boston, MA. I received my 200 yoga teacher training and certification from Back Bay Yoga school in 2012.
I have been working as an individual and yoga therapist for nine years in Boston, Massachusetts, and with much excitement, have relocated my practice in 2018 to Charlottesville, VA. I hold dual licenses in Massachusetts & Virginia, seeing clients through telecommunications in both states.
To make an appointment, click here.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————