Amanda Klaus, LCSW

I work with adults, teens, and children who are struggling to manage difficult relationships, anxiety, depression, and trauma reactions. I guide clients in conversations that reflect on both past and current experiences to help make connections that foster growth and healing.

As an EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) trained EMDR therapist I enjoy helping people reprocessing past events in order to foster growth and healing for today. EMDR can be used to help individuals impacted by childhood bullying, sexual abuse, emotional/physical abuse, domestic violence, partner betrayal, being raised by parents with addiction or mental illness, death of a close friend or family member, panic disorders, and/or overcoming phobias.

While working with individuals struggling with OCD, we’ll use a therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is a proven approach for treating OCD. In everyday terms, ERP involves gently practicing facing the thoughts or situations that trigger your anxiety (the “exposure” part) while learning to hold back from the habits or rituals you usually use to feel better (the “response prevention” part).  

I know this can sound uncomfortable, but you are in the lead here, and we will always go at a pace you feel in control of. There are no surprises or jump scares, we plan each step together so you know exactly what to expect.  

We’ll create a plan together, starting with small, manageable steps, and I’ll be there to guide and support you the whole way. As you practice staying in those situations without using compulsions, you’ll begin to notice that the anxiety naturally rises and then falls on its own. Over time, this helps your brain learn that you can handle the discomfort and that you don’t need the compulsions to get through it. The goal is to help you build confidence gradually so you feel more in control and less stuck.

While working with young clients, I use a child-centered approach by incorporating play and other creative techniques to help children process their experiences, work through anxious feelings, or process traumatic events. I work closely with parents to provide support and guidance as they navigate the challenges of raising a child.

I strive to collaborate with clients in developing a treatment plan that is as unique as each individual. Therapy can be intimidating, but together we can find the peace you deserve.

Issues Treated:

• Anxiety/OCD/Social Anxiety/Phobias
• Interpersonal/Relationship Problems (e.g., being raised by parents with addiction or mental illness, partner/friendship betrayal, divorce)
• Life Transitions
• Depression
• Domestic Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Parenting Support
• Low Self-Esteem
• Stress Management
• Death of a close friend or family member

Education and Licenses:

• Licensed Master of Social Work, State of Michigan
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA trained
• ERP for OCD trained