Amanda Frudakis-Ruckel

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven treatment for anxiety and helps with conditions like panic disorder, phobias, and social anxiety. It works by helping you identify and change negative thoughts and how you view yourself and the world. CBT combines two parts: Cognitive Therapy, which focuses on thoughts, and Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on actions. Together, these approaches give you practical tools to better manage and reduce anxiety.

When working with clients with anxiety, I focus on the present moment rather than trying to pinpoint a single cause. Anxiety comes from many factors, like biology, life experiences, and environment. Instead of analyzing its origins, we’ll explore how it shows up in your life today and what it can teach you about your needs and values. Our goal is not to eliminate anxiety but to help you develop a healthier relationship with it, building skills to move toward what truly matters to you, even with anxiety present.

My interest in psychology is deeply personal, shaped by my own experiences with chronic illness, supporting a family member with cancer, processing multiple losses, and balancing relationships and career. These challenges have fueled my passion for helping others make meaningful changes in their lives, whether through therapy, consulting, speaking, or research. I see my work as creating positive ripples of hope and empowerment that extend far beyond our sessions together.

If you're hesitant to try therapy, I want you to know that I’m not here to tell you how to live your life. Think of me as someone who helps you clear away the noise and reconnect with your own inner wisdom. My approach is open-minded, honest, and infused with a bit of humor, all backed by years of experience and proven methods. Together, we'll explore your possibilities and help you find the answers that have always been within you.

Processing trauma is important because when it's not dealt with, it can affect how you feel and act in your daily life. Unprocessed trauma can cause things like flashbacks, unwanted thoughts, or strong emotions that seem out of control. Many people try to avoid these feelings by keeping busy, using substances, or staying away from others, but this can make things worse. In therapy, you can tell your trauma story, which helps you understand and regain control over those memories. This process helps turn confusing or painful memories into a clear story, making them easier to handle.

As a therapist, I take an honest and open-minded approach, blending a sense of humor with years of experience and evidence-based practices. I strive to create a safe, affirming space for all identities, with a strong commitment to trauma-informed care. My practice is proudly LGBTQ+ allied, and I aim to help clients feel understood, supported, and empowered.

In therapy, I help you understand and deal with the effects of trauma. It’s normal to want to avoid painful memories, but hiding them only makes things harder. We’ll work together to face these feelings, heal from the past, improve your relationships, and help you get back to enjoying life.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people deal with tough thoughts and feelings by teaching them to accept them instead of trying to get rid of them. It combines mindfulness with taking action to live a better life. In ACT, you learn how to focus on what really matters to you and take steps toward your goals, even when things are difficult. It helps you be more flexible, meaning you can handle life’s challenges without being overwhelmed by them. ACT is helpful for managing anxiety, depression, stress, and improving your overall happiness.

Grief is different for everyone, and there’s no set way or timeline for how it should happen. It can make you feel stuck or misunderstood, especially when others don’t fully get what you’re going through. In therapy, I’ll help you understand your grief, cope with your emotions, and find healthy ways to move forward, so you can find meaning and healing.

Therapy sessions with me are a chance to clear away distractions, regain direction, and reclaim your power. I specialize in helping people understand the tension between life, death, and anxiety, and transform the way they relate to uncertainty and impermanence. Together, we’ll explore new ways to respond to anxiety, allowing it to inform your life rather than hold you back. We’ll face the reality of life’s limited time and embrace both its heaviness and the freedom that comes with being present. Through this work, you’ll uncover what truly matters, confront what you’ve been avoiding, and focus your energy on what is most meaningful.

Virtual mental health care can be just as effective as in-person therapy. Many clients report feeling more connected during virtual sessions, as the focused face-to-face interaction creates an intimate space without distractions. Research shows that virtual therapy outcomes are often just as good, or even better, than traditional in-person therapy for most concerns. The key elements of therapy—connection, understanding, and growth—transfer well to the virtual environment, making it a powerful tool for support and progress.

In therapy, I help you build a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence by exploring and accepting who you truly are. Life challenges, changes, or past experiences can shake your self-esteem, leaving you feeling uncertain or insecure. Together, we’ll work on understanding the root of those feelings, building your self-confidence, and finding ways to embrace and value yourself for who you are.

In my therapy, I use a person-centered approach to help you connect with your own ability to grow and heal. I create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel truly heard and understood. By offering empathy, being genuine, and accepting you as you are, I help you explore your feelings and find your own answers. This approach allows you to build more self-confidence, experience personal growth, and improve your relationships.

The humanistic approach to therapy focuses on the belief that everyone has the potential for personal growth and self-fulfillment. As a therapist, I use this approach to help you connect with your true self by exploring your present experiences, feelings, and choices. I create a safe, accepting space where we focus on your whole being—your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and values—without judgment. Together, we explore your personal responsibility and empower you to make choices that align with your authentic desires. This approach can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, improve self-acceptance, and strengthen relationships by encouraging authentic self-expression and emotional awareness. It also helps you overcome obstacles that may be blocking your natural growth, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.