Dr. Amanda Smith
Dr. Amanda Smith
She/Her • PsyD
Postdoctoral Psychology Fellow
Coon Rapids • Virtual
Specialties
Anxiety Mood/Depression Trauma/PTSD Sexuality & LGBTQ Affirming Relationships & Intimacy Neurodivergence Grief + Loss Perinatal + Reproductive Children + Families
Ages Served
Young Children (Birth- 5)
Children Teens
Adults Older Adults
Modalities
Play Therapy Attachment-Based Psychodynamic Therapy Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
About Me
I’m Dr. Smith, a postdoctoral fellow, who believes that therapy works best when people feel truly seen, understood, and accepted. Having trained in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals and therapeutic day schools, I've had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. These experiences have helped shape my belief that every person's story is unique and that meaningful therapy begins with curiosity, compassion, and a genuine therapeutic relationship.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and families who are experiencing complex emotions, behavioral challenges, difficult life transitions, and the many ups and downs that come with growing up and finding your place in the world. Some of my favorite moments in therapy are when clients begin to understand themselves in a new way and recognize the strengths they may not have seen in themselves before.
Clinical Approaches
My approach to therapy is collaborative, relational, and tailored to each individual. I draw from attachment-based, psychodynamic, and play therapy frameworks, while integrating evidence-based strategies that fit each client's unique needs. There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to healing, and I believe therapy should reflect that.
With children, therapy often looks like play, creativity, and connection. With adolescents and adults, it may involve processing emotions, exploring patterns, building practical skills, or simply making sense of experiences in a way that feels compassionate rather than critical. No matter who I'm working with, I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable being authentic, asking difficult questions, and growing at their own pace.
In therapy with me, you can expect warmth, honesty, curiosity, and humor when it’s helpful. My primary focus is to build a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe being yourself, even when things feel difficult or uncertain. I feel that everyone deserves to feel like they belong and therapy can be a space where that experience starts to grow.
The human behind the credentials.
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time in nature when the Minnesota weather allows (which, as we all know, is a bit of a gamble). I like hiking, camping, drinking more coffee than I probably need, and spending time with friends and family whenever I can. I truly love what I do and feel grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside you in your journey. I look forward to connecting and getting to know you!
Book a free 15-minute consult
A real person reaches out fast to get you scheduled.