Amanda Ross, Registered Social Worker (ON), Registered Social Worker (AB)

“Hi,I’m Amanda. I’m a queer, white, cis, settler . Sometimes starting therapy can feel very overwhelming, just know however you show up is always welcome. Maybe something feels off that you can't quite name. Or maybe the ways you’ve always coped just don’t seem to work anymore. You might be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself. I work with folks navigating substance use (alcohol or drugs), addiction, navigating someone else's addiction, underlying trauma and grief.

Background

Therapy is a space where you can slow down, listen inward and begin to make sense of what’s going on — with compassion, curiosity and humour. We’ll explore the patterns, stories, body cues, and strategies that shape your day-to-day. Including people pleasing, struggles with substances and relationship conflicts. Together, we’ll gently uncover what you might be ready to let go of, and what you’re ready to reclaim or grow into.Sessions are always collaborative where we will work together to find what is going to be helpful for you.

Your therapeutic experience with me

I use a trauma-informed and harm reduction approach — which means I’m not here to fix you. I’m here to understand the strategies that have helped you get through, even if they’re not working the same way now. I'll support you with strategies to manage everyday stress, while also gently exploring deeper patterns to support lasting change. We will gently sift through what’s holding you back and move towards more clarity, a sense of calm and life feeling more manageable. My clinical approach is holistic and I use regular check-ins to make sure we’re on the right path and at your comfortable pace. As a 2SLGBTQIA+ and sex-positive therapist, I hold space that welcomes all of who you are.

Areas of expertise

These represent my core areas of expertise, backed by specialized training and extensive clinical experience.

Substance Use/misuse

Addiction

Somatic And Trauma Focused

Anxiety & Worry

Relational Attachment Oriented Approach

Nervous System Regulation

I also provide skilled support in these additional areas and welcome clients seeking help with these concerns.

2SLGBTQIA+

Self-esteem & Self-worth

Therapeutic approaches

These are my primary therapeutic approaches, backed by specialized training and extensive clinical experience.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy/body-centered Approach

This approach supports the client to notice what is happening to them in the present moment as they are telling their story. This includes the 'story' that is held in one's nervous system.

Internal Family Systems

IFS explores inner conflicts. Eg- one part of you wants change but another part feels hesitant. IFS helps make sense of these inner tensions. With curiosity we can explore the different beliefs/assumptions of each part and move away from inner conflict towards self understanding and balance.

I also incorporate these evidence-based approaches when clinically appropriate: