In case you have any curiosity about how I came to be a therapist or if I’ve ever been a client myself, I want to share something with you. When I was 21, I stepped foot into a therapy office for the first time after spending years trying to manage anxiety and depression in ways that did not work. I was anxious and overwhelmed, and my body became physically ill as a result. I was desperate for relief and unsure of whether I’d actually find it.

I still remember how I felt working up the courage to reach out and start therapy for the first time. My chest was tight and my stomach was in knots. I worried that I would be judged or criticized by the therapist, or that it wouldn’t work. I didn’t know what to expect from therapy. I pushed off making the call a few times before I finally committed.

When I arrived at the office, the therapist put me at ease by creating a space where I could show up with all of my anxieties and fears, and be met with compassion and kindness. He shared clinical knowledge that sharpened my understanding of myself. He helped me expand my options for support. He talked about the ways that mental and physical health were connected. That experience with therapy changed the trajectory of my life. It started me on a different path to change and healing, and I am still continually learning along the way.

Through therapy, I experienced deeper healing that came from tending to the connections between the mind, body, and spirit. I learned new ways to navigate anxiety and depression that had felt crippling to me at times. I began to feel more capable of supporting my health and well-being. On top of that, I got a really clear sense of how transformative therapy could be. This experience, no doubt, shaped my decision to become a therapist myself.

Although our stories may not be the same, I believe that you already have everything that you need inside of you to navigate challenges and cultivate a life that feels rich and meaningful to you. If you aren’t sure how to access and put them to use just yet, I would welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you on that road.

Hi, I’m Amanda, the founder of Cultivative Therapy. I am a native of the Tampa Bay Area who has spent my life exploring and learning as much as I can about the connections between a person’s mind, body, and spirit, how we as humans adapt and grow through life’s challenges, and how people can develop loving and fulfilling relationships.

As a therapist, I show up as my genuine self and invite my clients to do the same. My focus in each session is creating a safe and comfortable space where you can show up exactly as you are. I welcome and celebrate all bodies, gender and sexual expressions, spiritual backgrounds, and relationship structures. 

Within this space, you can explore the things that are holding you back from healing, intimacy, and joy without judgement. You can learn, grow, and develop new skills with professional support. You can experience genuine acceptance and compassion.

My approach to therapy is research-informed, holistic, and collaborative. I draw upon a variety of therapeutic techniques like emotion focused therapy, humanistic therapy, internal family systems, and many others to address the individual concerns and complexities of each client.

Professional Credentials

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MT4493)

• Master of Science, Marriage and Family Therapy

• Certification, Advanced Clinical Sexology

• Member, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)

• Member, American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)

Areas of Specialty

• Self-Understanding & Self-Acceptance

• Boundaries & Self-Advocacy Skills

• Exploration of Sexuality/Gender/Relationship Concerns

• Women’s Issues (Including experiences of Medical Misogyny)

• Perfectionism & Burnout

• Anxiety & Depression