Amanda F. Peterson, LPCC (She/Her)
Pre-Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Hello, I’m Amanda, a Pre-Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) dedicated to helping individuals who feel “stuck” due to adversity. My primary goal is to guide clients in living meaningful lives while managing the challenges they encounter as their authentic selves. I am passionate about empowering my clients to reclaim the power that adversity may have taken from them.

Areas of Expertise:

• Autism Masking Behaviors 
• Christian Spiritual Abuse
• Disability Injustice
• Interabled Marriages
• Interracial Marriages
• LGBTQ+ Faith Issues
• Post-Traumatic Growth
• Racialized Trauma
• Workplace Trauma

Educational Background:

• Doctor of Education in Education Leadership from Penn State University: Fall 2025
• Master’s Degree in Mental Health Clinical Counseling from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities: May 2022
• Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology and Biblical Theological Studies from University of Northwestern with a minor Criminal Justice: May 2007

Professional Experience:

Throughout my career that began in 2010, I have been committed to advocating for my clients, emphasizing their holistic development and empowerment. I have developed comprehensive programs to support personal, academic, and professional growth in academic institutions, faith-based nonprofits, and government agencies. In 2019, I chose to become a clinical therapist when I realized the need for holistic support beyond what my previous training provided. My work addresses the complex influences of marginalization, focusing on disability justice, Indigenous sovereignty, and issues related to gender and race across various aspects of identity.

Therapeutic Approach:

My approach is intersectional and integrates Multicultural Counseling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques. I employ culturally relevant acceptance, commitment, mindfulness, and movement strategies to enhance psychological flexibility and encourage behavioral change in my clients.

About Me

I bring a diverse background to my therapy practice as an African American and Native American woman on the autism spectrum, who was raised in a single-parent household in rural America. I am committed to being anti-racist, anti-sexist, and anti-ableist, with a focus on pro-Black, womanist, and inclusive practices. Additionally, I integrate my Christian faith and experience as a pastor and spiritual development teacher into my work. Outside the therapy room, I enjoy staying active through running and yoga, exploring new restaurants, listening to various music genres, working on seasonal interior design projects, attending my children’s sports events, and spending quality time with family across the Midwest.