Hi! I'm Amanda

Full time Mom, Wife, and Licensed Therapist

(in that order)

amandabanks

I thrive by helping people find the best part of themselves!


My journey to becoming a licensed therapist has been a transformative one, deeply rooted in my personal experiences. Years ago, after navigating the challenges of a difficult divorce, the loss of my alcoholic ex-husband, and the complexities of being a single mother to two daughters, I felt a strong calling to help others. I envisioned a second career where I could empower individuals to improve their lives and self-perception.

It was a significant transition from my two decades in the restaurant industry back to academia, eventually leading to the establishment of my private therapy practice. This path, with all its turns, has been incredibly rewarding.

 Today, I am happily remarried in a blended family. My husband and I share four daughters: three from our previous marriages and a young toddler we welcomed together. Although I hold a California license and manage a caseload there, we relocated to Arizona a few years ago, and I now conduct all my sessions via telehealth from my home office. 

California State University, Fullerton

  • 2016 - Bachelors of Science
    Human Services
  • 2019 - Masters of Science
    Counseling

 


Get In Touch

 

 

Life in a blended family. It's unique emotions & diverse backgrounds, certainly presents its challenges.

We strive to embrace all the diversity that comes with our situation, allowing for natural space to be human and imperfect. We cherish spending time together, exploring our community, enjoying the Arizona desert and lakes, and continuously learning to express our differences respectfully. With four girls, our home is often filled with emotional situations, but also countless opportunities to show love and understanding.

My experiences over the past 14 years have profoundly deepened my passion for helping others. Whether you are grappling with

  • Mental health concerns
  • Addiction
  • Grief and loss
  • Domestic violence
  • Relationship issues
  • Life transitions
  • Personal growth and self-development

I am here to support you in achieving your therapeutic goals and finding a positive direction in your life.

amandabanks-grad

I am recently remarried, and in our blended family, we have four daughters. We live in Lake Havasu City and thoroughly enjoy the lake life and sunshine here in Arizona! We are often by the water or cruising in our boat, finding a cove to enjoy on the lake. One of our favorite family activities is packing a picnic dinner and enjoying a sunset cruise on the water. Four daughters, including one adult, two teens, and a toddler, definitely keep us on our toes, but we embrace all the challenges and triumphs that come with being a blended family. We love to spend time together, find fun activities in the community, cook and bake together, tend our garden, and are continuously learning new ways to respectfully express our differences. Life with four girls comes with many feelings and emotional situations, but also many opportunities to express love and understanding. Unfortunately, my first husband passed away in 2017 after losing his battle with alcoholism. My journey through this experience with my two eldest daughters was one of many life events that ignited my passion for helping others. Whether you are struggling with your mental health, addiction, grief and loss, domestic violence, relationships, life transitions, or simply seeking personal growth and self-development, I am here to help you reach your therapeutic goals and feel good about your direction in life.

I received my Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from California State University, Fullerton, and went on to receive my Master's in Counseling from CSUF as well. I have worked for several years in the mental health field and have been employed by various agencies in addition to health centers in college campus settings. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. I have an eclectic style that allows me to use an integrated approach and tailor my therapy to meet each client's individual needs. I enjoy the many aspects of the therapeutic process and look forward to helping you in your journey toward wellness.

I help my clients do three powerful things:


1. envision a life that reflects who they truly are,
2. build meaningful and lasting change,
3. and embrace their confidence and success.

 

My work is both challenging and deeply rewarding. I have the privilege of connecting with remarkable people and guiding them toward greater self-assurance and fulfillment. I’m especially passionate about supporting women who struggle with:

  • Feeling unfulfilled without understanding why
  • Constant worry about the future or whether they’re doing enough
  • Perfectionism that has become overwhelming rather than motivating
  • Societal pressure to “do it all,” leading to burnout

My approach blends cognitive insight—to help you recognize and shift the narratives that hold you back—with somatic practices that attune you to how anxiety manifests in your body. Your thoughts influence how you feel and act, but anxiety doesn’t live in the mind alone—it often shows up physically as tension or unease. By integrating both mental and physical awareness, we can foster deeper, more sustainable change.

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Specialized Training

Substance Abuse: With specialized training in substance abuse treatment, I support clients in breaking free from harmful patterns and building a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Grief & Lost: I help clients honor their grief and find comfort in their healing journey, creating space for meaning, growth, and hope to emerge in their own time.

Mental Health: My specialized training in mental health disorders allows me to provide evidence-based treatment tailored to each client’s unique needs and experiences.

All sessions subject to $50 minimumPricing

Superbills are available upon request

Therapy is an investment in your well-being. Sessions are conducted virtually, allowing you to connect from the comfort and privacy of your own space. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, grief, life transitions, or personal growth, each session is designed to meet you where you are and help you move toward lasting change.

Individual - $150

Individual sessions provide a safe, supportive environment to explore your thoughts, emotions, and goals. Together, we’ll work to identify patterns, strengthen coping skills, and foster meaningful growth so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Couples - $200

Couples therapy focuses on enhancing communication, rebuilding trust, and deepening connection. Whether you’re navigating conflict, major life transitions, or simply want to strengthen your relationship, sessions offer practical tools and insight to help you grow together.

Family session - $200

Family sessions help improve understanding and communication among family members. These sessions create space for each person’s perspective, encouraging collaboration, empathy, and balance within your family system.

Walk and Talk - $175

Walk and Talk therapy combines the benefits of movement and nature with the depth of traditional therapy. Conducted outdoors, these sessions can help ease tension, promote reflection, and encourage a sense of calm and openness while working through life’s challenges.