We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Vacca a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
In reflecting on what my parents did right, I am filled with immense gratitude for the foundation they laid for me, both as an individual and as a psychotherapist specializing in trauma and addiction. As a first-generation American, I witnessed firsthand the unwavering perseverance and love that my parents embodied in their pursuit of the American dream.
Their journey was not merely a chase; it was a conscious act of creation. Through hard work and relentless dedication, they taught me that dreams are not simply found—they are built with integrity and devotion to family. They instilled in me the belief that every challenge can be met with resilience, and that failure is not an endpoint but a stepping stone toward greater understanding and growth.
Their approach to life became the bedrock of my professional ethos. I specialize in helping individuals disentangle their stories and family histories, particularly those shaped by intergenerational trauma. Each client I work with carries their own burdens, often rooted in the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before them. My parents’ commitment to breaking barriers and forging paths is a powerful reminder of the importance of healing and reclaiming one’s narrative.
Through their example, I learned that true strength lies not in avoiding adversity but in embracing it and using it as a catalyst for transformation. My parents didn’t just dream of a better life; they actively created it. This legacy inspires me in my practice every day, as I guide others on their journeys toward healing and self-discovery. Their story—one of resilience, love, and unwavering determination—propels me to help others find their own paths, just as they paved the way for me.
Amanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a New York based licensed psychotherapist and certified EMDR trauma therapist. I founded my group private practice and consulting business, Mindful Living Counseling & Consulting Company in 2020. Prior to that, I had been in private practice for several years. I came from a family of entrepreneurs and business owners, and having my own business was always my goal. Watching my father run his business of 30+ years and having my mother as a visionary in his work shapes my dream. The message was always that business was hard, and that being your own boss meant constant work – for me, that was an exciting mission. The goal with my practice is that we create shame-free spaces for where people can heal.
As a therapist, I am particularly passionate about guiding young adults through challenging life transitions and the intricacies of their past experiences. I also have expertise in helping individuals with substance use disorders, complex and relational trauma, as well as anxiety and mood disorders. Prior to my work in the private sector, I spent over a decade at community based mental health programs, where I was committed to serving youth, criminal offenders, and adults. I have received multiple advanced trainings in the modalities of EMDR, IFS, CBT and Motivational Interviewing. Recently, I’ve had the honor of contributed to the work of EMDRIA Trainer, Karen Alter-Reid, on a specialized protocol designed to help individuals process and disentangle intergenerational trauma, which is work that is extremely personally fulfilling.
In addition to therapy, I am also committed to promoting mental health education and advocacy. I have collaborated with the New York State Latina Mentoring Initiative, Life is Precious, Volunteers America, and several organizations, schools and practices, to offer trainings for staff and develop curriculum. I also offer EMDR consulting services in the form of groups and individual sessions, wellness retreats, and trainings for organizations and schools which focus on cultural competency, trauma-informed practices, and addiction education. Outside of my professional commitments, I cherish time spent with my family, especially my two daughters, who inspire my dedication to my work every day.
In my work as a psychotherapist, what I am most proud of is the opportunity to witness the profound resilience in my clients as they navigate their journeys toward healing. Each day, I am privileged to bear witness to their vulnerability, to the raw struggles that they face, and to their incredible capacity for growth and transformation. It is truly inspiring to see individuals confront their pain and emerge stronger, more self-aware, and more empowered.
The problems I address extend beyond the immediate symptoms of trauma and addiction; I help individuals untangle the intricate stories and intergenerational patterns that shape their lives. Understanding and healing from these deeply rooted issues allows my clients to reclaim their narratives and move forward with renewed purpose. My approach prioritizes collaboration—not just within our therapeutic relationship, but also by creating comprehensive treatment teams. I firmly believe in the power of a ‘village’ when it comes to effective healing. When multiple professionals come together to share ideas, support, and insights, we can create tailored solutions that honor the unique experiences of each individual. I am blessed to know and work with such incredible thought leaders and healers.
What sets me apart in my work is this collaborative approach. I thrive on working with other passionate professionals who bring fresh perspectives into the shared goal of supporting clients. This enriched approach fosters a holistic healing environment where clients feel seen and supported on all levels. Ultimately, my commitment to teamwork and my deep respect for the courage it takes to heal are what drive me in my profession. I am honored to contribute to the journeys of those who seek my help, knowing that each small step towards healing is a testament to their strength and resilience.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
As a first-generation American of Euro-Latino descent, one of the most significant lessons I had to unlearn is the notion of staying small—an idea woven into the fabric of societal expectations for women, particularly for those of us navigating multiple cultural identities. Throughout my life, I felt the subtle but pervasive pressure to remain in the background, to minimize my voice and my achievements. This was compounded by the cultural narratives around modesty and humility that often teach women to prioritize the needs of others over their own aspirations.
Unlearning this lesson has been a profound act of reclamation. I realized that embracing my identity and stepping into my power is not only an act of personal liberation but also a way to honor the sacrifices my parents made in pursuit of the American dream. I carry their perseverance within me, and it drives me to advocate for my clients and encourage them to rise above their circumstances.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In sharing my story of resilience, I often reflect on a pivotal moment in my childhood when my family faced a devastating natural disaster. A fire engulfed our home, taking with it every single item that held our history—pictures, mementos, the very essence of our lives. It was a traumatic experience that could have led to feeling lost and adrift, but instead, it ignited a profound lesson about the importance of resilience and community. We were displaced, yet through our shared adversity, we discovered the strength of our familial bonds.
The loss was immense, and the grief was palpable, yet amid the ashes, I learned what it truly means to rebuild. Our community rallied around us, providing not only physical support but also emotional strength. This experience illuminated the power of connection and the vital role that a ‘village’ plays in recovery from trauma—a lesson that echoes in my therapeutic approach today.
It was through this journey of loss and rebuilding that I learned to advocate for my own resilience and that of others. It taught me that healing does not happen in isolation; it requires the courage to lean on others and allow oneself to be vulnerable. Now, as a therapist, I help my clients uncover their own narratives of resilience. We work together to dismantle the barriers that keep them from standing tall, encouraging them to embrace their voices and their stories.
Ultimately, my journey—from navigating the unspoken rules of womanhood to overcoming the aftermath of trauma—has shaped my commitment to fostering healing in others. It is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, community, and the belief that we can all rise and redefine our paths, no matter the circumstances we face.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Nymindfulliving.com
- Instagram: @thetherapychronicles
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-a-vacca-m-a-lmhc-31128873?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
The black and white image is a reminder of feminine power and resilience – a generational photoshoot of Amanda, her grandmother, Madeline, her mother Marialda, and two children Vivian and Olivia Rae.