Amanda is an Internationally Certified Addiction Counselor and Certified Addiction Professional through the Florida Certification Board. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida, graduating summa cum laude in 2016, and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She also holds a certification in Trauma and Resiliency from Florida State University.

Amanda has over 10 years of experience working closely with individuals affected by substance use disorders and addictive behaviors. Her clinical work emphasizes the strong connection between addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and maladaptive or distorted thinking patterns. She approaches treatment from a holistic and trauma-informed perspective, recognizing that substance misuse often develops in response to deeper emotional pain, relational stressors, and unresolved life experiences.

In addition to individual counseling, Amanda works with couples to strengthen communication, improve conflict resolution skills, and address relational patterns that contribute to emotional distress and substance-related concerns. She supports couples in developing healthier ways of expressing needs, managing conflict, and rebuilding trust, particularly when addiction or mental health challenges have impacted the relationship.

When appropriate, Amanda also incorporates family involvement to support long-term healing. Her goal is to help clients identify underlying causes of substance use, address co-occurring mental health concerns, and develop effective coping strategies that promote sustainable recovery and relational well-being.

In addition to her formal education and clinical training, Amanda brings over 18 years of lived experience in sustained recovery. This personal understanding, combined with professional expertise, allows her to provide empathetic, nonjudgmental care grounded in validation, clarity, and hope. Amanda is committed to helping clients recognize their strengths, foster resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Amanda is currently accepting new clients and can be reached at (941) 444-6560 or via email at Amanda@sarasotaaddictionspecialists.com.