Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Bridges.
Hi Amanda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I actually never planned to own or operate my own private practice! I began my career as a therapist doing trauma treatment with individuals in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections and I later continued my career with the Missouri Department of Corrections. After starting a family and having my son, I decided it was time for a change. I began working with the local Sheriff’s Department doing Crisis Intervention work and helping individuals struggling with mental health or substance use issues connect with resources in the community in hopes of reducing their contact with law enforcement. I specialize in forensic psychology, so working with victims, offenders, and law enforcement has always held a special place in my heart. I obtained my Certified First Responder Counselor specialization and am currently working on my Certified Clinical Trauma Professional specialization. In mid-2023 I started working with a local private practice doing trauma treatment with first responders and individuals in need of assistance on life’s crazy journey. In January 2024, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and it completely changed my outlook on life. I decided that I could best help others, while taking care of myself on my own cancer journey, by following my passion and starting my own business. I took the leap and opened Bridges Counseling in October 2024! I am so grateful that I have been able to heal personally while truly focusing 1000% on client care and developing strong relationships with my clients and others in the community through my private practice.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely been bumpy! Through the years, I have experienced a lot of vicarious trauma and have had to do a lot of self-discovery. I’ve had to use my voice for people who haven’t learned how to use theirs yet, and that is not always met with kindness or respect. I’ve had to learn to adapt in difficult situations and how to help heal others while healing myself. When I was diagnosed with cancer, my perspective really changed, and honestly, the road actually got less bumpy! Sure, sometimes it was hard to juggle treatments, provider appointments, surgeries, and medication side effects while trying to provide the best client care possible, but my diagnosis really provided me with the clarity and strength to take a leap of faith and start Bridges Counseling. I have never been happier in my career! I have stronger client connections and know that I am creating a safe space for individuals to grow and heal in their own journey’s. I have the time and space to empower people to find and use their voice and overcome anything they feel may be holding them back. My job, and my clients, inspire me every single day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Mental health is truly my passion and I have been working in the mental health field for 10+ years. I have my Masters in Counseling with a Specialization in Forensic Psychology and have more than a decade of experience working with clients who have experienced significant trauma; from victims of abuse, to survivors of human trafficking, to first responders. With my practice, Bridges Counseling, I understand the unique stressors life can bring and can help individuals on their journey to overcome what they feel may be holding them back. I always want my clients to know I am human to, and will always be honest with them in the same way I hope they are honest with me, and I am very proud of that! I pride myself on my personalized and eclectic approach and I strive to create a safe and comfortable space to best meet the needs of each individual client I see. I work alongside my clients to empower them and help bridge the gap to mental wellbeing.
I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend, and a cancer warrior and each of those things makes me who I am and each of those things also contribute to who I am as a clinician. I am proud of my background and my clinical knowledge, but I am also proud of the relationships I get to build with every client I see and the people in my community.
How do you think about happiness?
Simply put: my family, my friends, my dogs, and helping others. I love spending time with the people I love, no matter what we are doing. My journey has taught me to slow down and enjoy the little things because they are really the big things. My young son occupies most of my time and I wouldn’t have it any other way; he is my greatest blessing in life. When I am not with my family or friends, I am happiest in my office getting to do what I love, which is helping others. I take a lot of pride in my practice and my work as a clinician! It truly fills my heart with joy that my job is getting to do something I love every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bridges-counseling.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-bridges-lpc-lcpc-ncc-cfrc-6a77b09a
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/amanda-bridges-liberty-mo/1444572
