HI, I’M AMY!
I get it—it’s freakin’ hard to figure out all the things we can do and transform that into a life filled with joy.
So much gets in the way: procrastination, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, money, personal life, being an introvert (gets me every time)... the list is endless, and we all have our own version.
We all need our own redemption story.
Here’s mine!
GET TO KNOW ME
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GET TO KNOW ME
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GET TO KNOW ME
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GET TO KNOW ME • GET TO KNOW ME • GET TO KNOW ME •
MY REDEMPTION STORY
As I think about how to share more about myself, one thing keeps popping up:
I dropped out of college when I was 19.
Not only did I drop out, but I also had no idea that withdrawing from the classes I stopped attending was even a thing!
The struggle was real.
I just stopped showing up, which led to a GPA disaster that would come back to haunt me 25 years later.
Why did I leave?
Well, there were just more important things to do than sit behind a desk. I had a dance school to open!
Dance was a huge part of my life growing up; it gave me a sense of safety.
That passion, combined with my entrepreneurial spirit, led me to open one of the most successful dance studios in Eastern PA.
Over the course of 15 years, I grew a staff of nine and taught 450 students.
The joy I felt was contagious, and making a difference in the lives of kids fed my soul.
But then, when my kids were born, my priorities shifted.
I wanted to be with them in the evenings, so I closed my dance school and pivoted into a new entrepreneurial passion—becoming a real estate broker.
I loved the art of the deal and helping people with one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
THE STRUGGLES
Like everyone else, I’ve faced struggles along the way.
Chris and I went through a divorce, and for a while, I navigated life as a single mom to two incredible kids with big dreams. But years later, Chris and I reunited, and now we love building ideas, concepts, and dreams together.
The pandemic brought a new opportunity to become a consultant and trainer, which brought me full circle to my love for teaching, mentoring, and inspiring others.
Now, it’s time for something different—for all of us. It’s time to let our entrepreneurial spirits soar and make our dreams a reality, all while experiencing abundant joy. No more deferring joy. It’s time to learn a different way to work in our profession and engage our brains.
ARE YOU SENSING A THEME?
In my mid-forties, I couldn’t escape the nagging call to become a therapist. Helping people has always been a way of life for me, and when my own personal healing intersected with my deep sense of empathy, there was no other choice but to finish my undergrad degree.
(Yes, I had to clean up the GPA mess my 19-year-old self left behind!)
After earning my degree, I flew through grad school, opened my private practice as a trauma therapist, and quickly filled my schedule.
THINGS I KNOW…
THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST
✔️ When we feel inspired in our businesses, we experience joy in our work and grow exponentially as people.
✔️ Being a lifelong learner keeps our brains open, flexible, and creative.
✔️ Connecting with others brings forth authentic and genuine relationships.
THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE ABOUT ME
✔️ If I had to punch a clock, I’d probably be fired. I make a terrible employee, but I’m a fabulous entrepreneur!
✔️ I am kind, authentic, genuine, and incredibly hard-working.
✔️ I like to play and have fun, and combining that with being a modern, business-minded therapist is serendipitous.
FAST FACTS ABOUT
WHAT BRINGS ME JOY
In no particular order:
✔️ My Two Golden Retrievers
✔️ Avocados
✔️ Seeking wellness
✔️ Tacos
✔️ Beachfront sunrises
✔️Hanging out in D.C. with C.J. and Madison
✔️ Travel & Exploring Nature
✔️ Writing
✔️ Watching Samantha play golf on the LPGA Tour
✔️ Paddleboarding, Hiking, and Bike Riding (but not all at once!)
THE WEEKLY WAVE
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Amy is a relationship & trauma transformation psychotherapist. She is the founder of Growing Branches Counseling and is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Advanced Topics Trainer. She helps therapists enhance learning through innovative experiences for playful brains seeking wisdom and knowledge.