Amalia Sirica

I love to hear people's stories. I have been struck by how infrequently people realize how powerful their stories are. They come in feeling like there's something wrong with them, and all I hear is strength and resilience. The human spirit is amazing. I love being able to help someone move out of survival mode and begin to thrive—to really live the life they've perhaps always been able to, before other things got in the way.

OCD is very misunderstood, often misdiagnosed, and frequently mistreated. I wanted to be part of a solution that could better help people. I find that folks with OCD tend to be some of the most conscientious and kind people. That's why intrusive thoughts are so distressing, because they're not who the person is. I like being able to help people see that and return to more a easeful, joyful life.

Anxiety and depression. I've worked in crisis care and have developed an expertise in trauma, particularly generational trauma in which issues are passed down—you may think it's your stuff, but it's actually someone else's stuff that they handed to you. Unintentionally, usually. As a social worker, I was trained to look at what's happening in someone's environment. You may have symptoms today. What was your childhood like? How's work today?

Starting anything new is scary. Even though I've been doing this for 10 years, I still can get first-session jitters, because every person is different. There are nerves on both ends sometimes, but we're in this together, and we'll figure this out. Therapy doesn't have to look a certain way. It's different for everyone. I'm along for the journey, but it's your journey.

Shame dies in safe spaces. I will do my utmost to make our therapeutic space as safe as possible. If I haven't heard your thought before, I've probably thought it myself.. I'm not on a high horse; I'm here as a human with you.