We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Butler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?
As a therapist, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing many incredible journeys, but Jessica’s* story stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience. Her life was filled with challenges from a young age, yet her transformation is a powerful testament to the healing potential of therapy and inner strength.
Jessica grew up as the eldest of eight children in a family overwhelmed by mental illness. With her mother frequently hospitalized and her father also struggling, Jessica was thrust into the role of a parent far too early. The responsibility of caring for her siblings, coupled with constant criticism and emotional abuse, left deep scars. She was often told she was “no good,” locked in her room for sleepless nights, and chastised for a chronic health issue that started at age nine. These experiences led to depression, anxiety, a fear of being alone and in the dark, and a relentless inner critic.
Despite her tumultuous upbringing, Jessica envisioned a different life. She longed to be a loving, supportive parent and to have a mutually supportive marriage, unlike what she had experienced. This vision motivated her to seek therapy.
When Jessica began therapy, we focused on unpacking the heavy burden of her past. She bravely confronted her fears and worked on silencing the negative self-talk that had plagued her for so long. Each session was a step towards healing and reclaiming her self-worth. Through our work together, Jessica’s self-esteem and confidence grew. Her fears of being alone and in the dark gradually diminished, and the inner critic’s voice became quieter.
A turning point in Jessica’s journey was when she started working as a receptionist in a psychiatrist’s office. This job became a calling, allowing her to connect with patients through her own experiences. Her empathy and understanding were profound, and her growing confidence enabled her to offer genuine support and encouragement.
Jessica’s transformation was remarkable. Over time, she developed a strength within herself that she never knew existed. Therapy not only helped her heal but also empowered her to create the life she had always dreamed of. Today, she is a different kind of parent to her children—loving, supportive, and affirming. Her marriage is a partnership built on mutual respect and support, embodying the ideals she once only dreamed of.
Jessica’s story is heartwarming not just because of her resilience but also because it demonstrates the profound impact of therapy. Her journey shows that with the right support and a steadfast belief in oneself, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting past and emerge into a future filled with love, light, and hope.
Witnessing Jessica’s growth has been incredibly rewarding. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of therapy. I hope her story inspires others facing their own struggles, showing them that healing and a brighter future are within reach.
*Name has been changed for client confidentiality.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have been interested in psychology, wellness, healing, and spirituality for as long as I can remember, but never saw a way to have a viable career related to any of these interests. However, after nearly 20 years of an unfulfilling career in other industries, I transitioned to this field, driven by personal struggles with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. The journey was inspired by a by falling in love with a man who is a therapist. While that situation didn’t work out, I discovered the importance of relationships in reflecting our inner selves, a key philosophy in my work.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Utah, a life coach, and an energy healer serving clients worldwide. My practice offers soul-centered psychotherapy, coaching, and psychologically-informed energy work, aiming to help people connect with their inherent wholeness, authenticity, and divinity. I also provide case consultations for other mental health professionals.
My practice specializes in depth psychology, particularly Jungian psychology, which focuses on making unconscious processes conscious. This approach includes working with dreams and creating art to explore unconscious images, integrated with talk therapy to foster significant shifts in clients’ relationships with themselves and others. I typically work with adults facing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, career challenges, faith and spirituality dilemmas, grief, identity concerns, women-specific issues, and health-related psychological aspects. I work with both individuals and couples.
What sets me apart is my training in individual and couple therapy, depth psychology, various energy healing modalities, and creative arts therapeutic interventions. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client, whether they seek psychotherapy, case consultation, coaching, or energy work. My methods are person-centered, gentle, and direct, emphasizing support and practical feedback to help clients overcome personal challenges and achieve growth.
My brand prides itself on the belief that it’s never too late to transition into a more meaningful life. We all possess inherent inner wisdom that can guide us, and there’s always hope, no matter how bleak things may seem. You’re never too old to find a way of being in the world that truly works for you.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
In my work with clients, whether as a psychotherapist, coach, or energy healer I’ve found several key attributes that significantly contribute to success: curiosity, truly valuing people for the unique individuals they are, understanding relationships, non-judgment, and lifelong learning.
Curiosity is essential in psychotherapy and other healing work. It drives a therapist to delve deeper into a client’s experiences, thoughts, and emotions, seeking to understand the underlying issues and patterns. Curiosity fosters an open-minded approach, encouraging therapists to ask insightful questions and explore new therapeutic techniques. This inquisitive nature helps therapists stay engaged and motivated, continually seeking better ways to support their clients.
Truly valuing people is at the heart of effective psychotherapy. A successful therapist genuinely appreciates and respects their clients as individuals with unique experiences and perspectives. This appreciation fosters a therapeutic alliance, where clients feel understood and valued. When clients sense that their therapist truly cares about their well-being, they are more likely to open up and engage in the therapeutic process. This mutual respect and empathy create a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth.
Understanding relationships is another crucial aspect of psychotherapy. Human behavior is deeply influenced by relationships, whether familial, social, or romantic. A successful therapist recognizes the importance of these dynamics and how they impact a client’s mental and emotional health. By exploring and understanding these relationships, therapists can help clients identify patterns and develop healthier ways of interacting. This relational insight is instrumental in facilitating meaningful change and improving overall well-being.
Non-judgment is a cornerstone of effective psychotherapy. Clients come with a wide range of experiences, some of which may be difficult or even painful to share. A non-judgmental attitude creates a safe space for clients to express themselves without fear of criticism or shame. This openness allows for honest and authentic communication, which is essential for therapeutic progress. A therapist’s ability to accept clients as they are, without imposing their own values or biases, fosters trust and encourages clients to explore their thoughts and feelings more deeply.
Lifelong learning is vital for a successful psychotherapy practice and other healing work. The field of psychology is continually evolving, with new research, theories, and techniques emerging regularly. A commitment to lifelong learning ensures that therapists stay current with the latest developments and can integrate new knowledge into their practice. This ongoing education helps therapists refine their skills, stay motivated, and provide the best possible care for their clients. Additionally, a passion for learning models a growth mindset for clients, demonstrating the importance of continual personal and professional development.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Throughout my journey as a psychotherapist and in entrepreneurship, various resources have significantly shaped my thinking and philosophy. However, the most profound influence comes from the ideas of Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung, particularly his concepts of individuation, the Self, and his writings on relationships.
In his writing, Jung refers often to individuation, which is the process of becoming one’s true self, distinct from societal expectations and collective norms. This idea has profoundly influenced my entrepreneurial philosophy, emphasizing the importance of following my own authentic path rather than adhering to a cookie-cutter approach. In the realm of entrepreneurship, there is often a temptation to follow popular trends or replicate successful models. However, Jung’s ideas remind us that true innovation and lasting success come from understanding and expressing our unique vision and strengths.
In addition to Jung, books such as “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries and “Good to Great” by Jim Collins have been instrumental. Ries’s focus on iterative development and validated learning has taught me the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in business. Meanwhile, Collins’s exploration of what differentiates great companies from good ones emphasizes the importance of disciplined people, thought, and action. These principles align with Jung’s idea of individuation by encouraging a tailored approach to business development that respects the unique context and strengths of each enterprise.
Videos and essays on leadership by Simon Sinek, especially his TED Talk “How Great Leaders Inspire Action,” have also been influential. Sinek’s emphasis on starting with “why” and the power of purpose-driven leadership resonates with Jung’s notion of the Self. In Jungian terms, the Self represents our true purpose and potential. In entrepreneurship, this translates to building businesses that not only seek profit but also align with a deeper mission and values, fostering authentic and sustainable growth.
Additionally, my philosophy has been enriched by the works of Brené Brown, particularly her research on vulnerability and leadership. Brown’s insights into the power of vulnerability in fostering trust and connection echo Jung’s emphasis on relationships. In both psychotherapy and business, the quality of relationships—whether with clients, customers, or team members—is paramount. Embracing vulnerability and authenticity in these relationships leads to more meaningful and effective connections, which are crucial for both personal and professional success.
Overall, Jung’s ideas remind me that the most fulfilling and successful path is one that is uniquely my own, guided by an authentic vision and a deep understanding of myself and others. This philosophy not only drives my approach to business and entrepreneurship but also informs my work in psychotherapy and my broader outlook on life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amandabutlermft.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alembicamanda/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaButlerLMFT/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-butler-9267aa7
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHT0WCVn3jCZuRP4Kigpow/videos
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/amanda-butler-murray-ut/991222
https://www.instagram.com/integrativehealingamandabutler/