Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Bartley.
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve known from a fairly young age that I wanted to be in the mental health field in some capacity. I had a wonderful school counselor in elementary school who influenced me through not only her love of old movies but also the way she connected with others through humor and her own humanness. Within my own family, mental health struggles were prominent but never shared, making it difficult for me as a kid to find a place to share my own experiences and story. Understanding and hearing what makes each person unique is incredibly important to me in my work with clients. To be the person to provide the safety and security for someone to show up as fully themselves is the reason I became a therapist.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I remember sitting in one of my last practicum courses in graduate school, feeling the extreme pressure to label what kind of therapist I wanted to be and my therapeutic “style.” I was going through what can only be described as an existential crisis, coming home frequently and informing my now-husband: “I quit.” The process of becoming a counselor challenged me to look at all versions of myself which at the time was painful and extremely uncomfortable. After I graduated with my masters, I felt relieved, but also the anxiety of “what next?” Through various experiences working at different mental health clinics and influential people along the way, I became comfortable and confident with who I am as a therapist. Throughout the process, I often reflected on what my own therapist once told me, “people want people,” and it’s a good reminder for me even today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I left my job as a full-time therapist at an eating disorder treatment facility right as the pandemic hit. I joined Connect to Thrive in Plano at the beginning of March and a week later, all business shut down. It was difficult, but I am incredibly grateful to be a part of group of people who hold the same values as I do. Being in private practice allows me the freedom to do the therapeutic work that brings me joy and work with clients long term. I specialize in trauma, attachment and relational concerns, grief, identity development, and eating disorders. I also am EMDR trained. I’m proud of the work we do at Connect to Thrive, always meeting clients where they are, tailoring our sessions to fit their needs, and being genuine and authentic with them.
What are your plans for the future?
Trying to make it through the pandemic! No big changes right now, I’m happy with where I’m at, working with the girls at Connect to Thrive!
Pricing:
- 50 minute session individual counseling session – 125
Contact Info:
- Email: amy@thriveplano.com
- Website: https://www.thriveplano.com/amy-bartley
- Instagram: amybartleylpc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connecttothrivecounseling
Image Credits
Shelby Monkres
