Dr. Amanda Vaught

Licensed Psychologist

Trauma doesn’t just live in the past — it often shows up in the present as anxiety, depression, overthinking, difficulty in relationships, or symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTSD) and complex posttraumatic stress (C-PTSD). I often work with adults who’ve experienced trauma in the line of duty, childhood or relational trauma, or chronic stress. I also help clients who struggle with anxiety, low mood, or feeling disconnected from themselves. I focus on helping you understand and heal from the past. I take a collaborative, compassionate approach that meets you where you are. I’ll spend time getting to know your story and how you see yourself, others and the world. Finally, we’ll decide together what kind of treatment feels right for you. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can start to rebuild trust in yourself and move toward the life you want.

Before the pandemic, many clients faced significant barriers to accessing care — such as lack of childcare, travel costs, distance to a clinic, and inflexible work schedules. I’ve been practicing telehealth since before the pandemic and have long been an advocate for how effective virtual therapy can be in reducing these obstacles and making care more accessible. When it comes to trauma specifically, the barriers can be more internal. Many individuals understandably want to avoid revisiting painful experiences, or they feel shame and fear being judged for what they’ve been through. Creating a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space is essential to helping clients overcome these barriers and begin the healing process.

I love social media — it can be a powerful tool for education and connection. However, I’ve also noticed a growing trend of self-diagnosis and the spread of unproven or ineffective “trauma therapies” online. While often well-intentioned, this can sometimes keep people from accessing high-quality, evidence-based care and may lead to frustration, wasted time, or even harm. In my practice, I take an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach. I use therapies that are grounded in research and a deep understanding of how trauma impacts the mind and body. My goal is always to support lasting recovery — helping clients reach a place where they feel empowered, healed, and no longer need therapy.