St. pete Therapist Specializing in Couples Therapy & Attachment-Focused EMDR
Amanda Farris, LCSW-QS
Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Qualified Supervisor
More than 10+ years of clinical experience specializing in somatic experiencing & EMDR therapy
About Amanda
Amanda is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate challenging times and break patterns that no longer serve them. Her approach to therapy is relational, dynamic, and strengths-focused—valuing each client's unique journey through various life stages. She specializes in working with couples from all relationship structures, addressing communication, intimacy, boundaries, and trust with a deep understanding of the dynamics that drive each partner.
Credentials & Education
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) — Florida | License #SW17320
M.S. in Social Work from the University of South Florida with a certificate in Adolescent Behavioral Health
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) — 2018
Trained in Attachment-Focused EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Video Introduction
Who Amanda Supports
Amanda works with:
Couples navigating communication and intimacy challenges — addressing patterns of conflict, emotional disconnection, trust issues, or boundary struggles
Non-traditional relationship structures — monogamous, polyamorous, open relationships, and other non-traditional dynamics
Individuals healing from trauma — using attachment-focused EMDR to process traumatic memories and reduce emotional impact
Adults with anxiety and depression — providing evidence-based treatment for emotional regulation and mood challenges
Mindfulness-based approaches — integrating body-centered and yoga-informed techniques into therapy when appropriate
St. Petersburg clients value Amanda's relational, non-judgmental approach and her ability to foster deep understanding while helping clients break unhelpful patterns.
Amanda’s Approach to Therapy
Amanda blends evidence-based modalities with a relational, strengths-focused approach. Her sessions are dynamic, collaborative, and tailored to each client's unique needs and values.
She focuses on:
Processing trauma using Attachment-Focused EMDR therapy — helping clients reprocess traumatic memories while addressing attachment wounds and relational patterns
Supporting couples with communication, intimacy, and trust — fostering deep understanding of the dynamics that drive each partner
Building emotional regulation skills through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for teens and adults
Encouraging values-aligned action with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — helping clients accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to meaningful change
Integrating mindfulness and body-centered approaches through her training as a Registered Yoga Teacher (when of interest to clients)
Amanda creates a safe, dynamic therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences, identify strengths, and make meaningful progress toward growth and healing.
What Amanda Helps Clients With
Amanda supports Tampa clients experiencing:
Anxiety and anxiety disorders
Depression and mood challenges
Couples communication and intimacy issues
Self-harm and risky behaviors
Life transitions and identity exploration
Attachment wounds and relational patterns
Amanda’s Background & Training
Amanda's professional experience includes:
Providing individual, couples, and family therapy across various clinical settings
Treating trauma using Attachment-Focused EMDR
Working with couples from diverse relationship structures
Her advanced training includes:
Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Registered Yoga Teacher training, integrating mindfulness and somatic practices into therapy
A Message From Amanda
"Whether you're working through trauma, rebuilding trust in your relationship, or breaking patterns that no longer serve you, therapy should feel relational, dynamic, and focused on your strengths. I'm here to help you navigate the challenging times and create meaningful change that aligns with who you want to be."
Ready to work with Amanda?
We invite you to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with us to begin your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Attachment-Focused EMDR and how is it different from standard EMDR?
Attachment-Focused EMDR integrates traditional EMDR trauma processing with an understanding of how early attachment experiences shape adult relationships and emotional responses. While standard EMDR focuses on reprocessing specific traumatic events, attachment-focused EMDR addresses the relational wounds and patterns that developed in childhood and continue to impact how you connect with others. This approach is particularly effective for individuals whose trauma is relational in nature or who struggle with trust, intimacy, and emotional regulation in relationships.
Do you work with non-traditional relationship structures like polyamory or open relationships?
Yes. Amanda is passionate about working with couples from all types of relationship structures, including polyamorous, open, and other consensually non-monogamous dynamics. Therapy focuses on the same core issues—communication, boundaries, trust, and intimacy—while honoring the unique challenges and agreements within your specific relationship structure. The work is non-judgmental and tailored to what your relationship needs.
How does yoga inform your therapy practice?
As a Registered Yoga Teacher, Amanda can integrate mindfulness, breathwork, and body-centered techniques into therapy when appropriate and of interest to clients. Trauma often lives in the body, not just the mind, so somatic practices can help clients reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and process emotions in ways that talk therapy alone may not reach. This is always optional and tailored to each client's comfort level and goals.
Can ACT help with anxiety even if I've tried CBT before?
Yes. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) takes a different approach than traditional CBT. Instead of trying to change or challenge anxious thoughts, ACT teaches you to accept them while committing to actions aligned with your values. Many clients who feel "stuck" in CBT find ACT offers a fresh perspective—focusing less on controlling anxiety and more on living a meaningful life despite it. The two approaches can also be complementary.
What does DBT look like for adults versus adolescents?
DBT for adults and adolescents covers the same core skills—mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—but the delivery differs. For adolescents, DBT often involves more concrete examples, family involvement, and developmentally-appropriate language. For adults, sessions may focus more on applying skills to complex relationship dynamics, work stress, or long-standing patterns. Both populations benefit from learning how to manage intense emotions and navigate interpersonal conflict effectively.