Amanda Galarza, AMFT

Being vulnerable can be difficult. Tuning into the most challenging experiences in your life with a new person can be scary. I believe that approaching therapy is truly one of the bravest things someone can do. By cultivating a space of kindness, humanity, and empathy, I invite my clients to be curious about themselves.

I value how everyone’s therapeutic journey is so unique because of one’s own life experiences and coexisting identity memberships. I believe in connection and leaning into the therapeutic relationship as a crucial step in one’s healing journey. I aim to foster a welcoming space where you feel comfortable being yourself. As a multiethnic, multicultural therapist who deeply cares about advocacy, equality, and accessibility to clients of all backgrounds, I greatly value working with clients from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life.

As a systemic therapist, I value the benefits of always considering a client’s entire system, which consists of family, relationships, friendships, work, school, community spaces, etc. Some of my clinical interests include working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families in navigating life transitions, immigration, systemic racism, trauma, societal oppression, anxiety, depression, substance use, self-esteem issues, communication issues, and difficult family relationships.

I have worked with underserved community members by providing on-site therapeutic services in schools and at home to offer accessible care to individuals, families, and couples. I draw from various therapeutic models that are tailored to your needs and focus on leaning into your personal strengths. Some models I draw from in my client-centered approach include but are not limited to Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). I am certified in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) from my time working on a crisis hotline supporting higher risk clients who experienced trauma and suicidal ideation.

I received my bachelor’s degree in Sociology with minors in Psychology and Child Development, along with a concentration in Criminal Justice from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. I pursued my graduate education at Northwestern University where I completed my clinical training at The Family Institute and received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Feel free to reach out to me through either phone or email. I look forward to getting to know you and working alongside you on your therapeutic journey!