About

I believe being trusted to walk with individuals towards healing as they explore themselves and how their past experiences have impacted them is one of the greatest honors of being a therapist. 

As a therapist, I not only believe in people’s capacity to change and grow regardless of the experiences and circumstances they face, I’ve witnessed it countless times and experienced it myself.  Having my own experiences with shame, trauma and transformation, I set out to help others do the same in their lives, which is why I do the work I do today.

I was born and raised predominantly in Arizona, although I spent my early childhood on the Southern Coast of Oregon, which still holds a special place in my heart.  I was always interested in why people do what they do and this natural curiosity about people and the desire to understand and make sense of my own choices in my teen years led me to pursue a Bachelors of Science in Psychology at Arizona State University.

From there, I decided to pursue a Masters in Criminal Justice because I was looking at becoming a Forensic Psychologist and during my time in this program my interest in the impact of early childhood trauma and parental abandonment grew.  Because of this interest, I decided to change direction in my educational focus and pursue a Masters in Social Work.  It was here that I developed a broader understanding of how our environment and early childhood experiences, traumas, and relationships impact us at the core of who we are and subsequently who we become. 

As a therapist, I have also engaged in my own therapy over the years, and understand the vulnerability it takes to sit on the other side of the metaphorical couch. It’s one of the bravest things I’ve witnessed someone do for themselves.  

Today I call Nashville, Tennessee my home.  In my free time, I enjoy writing, exploring new places, getting creative in the kitchen, spending time with my dog Leroy, photography and art, attending the ballet, theater and local live music events.

Credentials:

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Arizona State University West, Graduated 12/00

• Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, Arizona State University West, Graduated 12/07 

• Masters of Social Work, Arizona State University West, Graduated 5/07

• Two Year Gestalt Training Program, Southwestern Gestalt Center, 10/06 to 6/07 

• Infant/Family Clinical Practice Certification, Harris Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Training Institute, Two Year Training Program. Certification Received June 2010.

• Certified Trauma Specialist – Clinical, Issued Date October 12, 2011 – Awarded by The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children

  Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certificate Number 615300, Issue Date October 15, 2021, Expires October 14, 2023 - Awarded by Evergreen Certifications

  Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Tennessee, Oregon & Idaho

Professional Activities and Accomplishments:

• Children of Incarcerated Parents Bill of Rights Project Work Group, Collaborative effort among Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Child Protective Service agencies, 5/2007 to 10/2007

• Building Safety in Violent Homes: Understanding the Impact of Domestic Violence on Young Children, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona 2012 Arizona Home Visitors Conference, Phoenix AZ, September 19, 2012 

• Authored You’re Brave Enough (2017)

• Collaborative Author on Phoenix Rising: Women Who Rose from the Ashes - Authored Chapter on Healing Through Divorce (2021)

For Questions or Scheduling:

hello@amandajpbrown.com or 602.717.7316