Ms. Amanda Richard LMSW-C

Due to my lifelong love for animals and the healing effect their presence has had on me, I became motivated to explore the field of therapy involving animals. I truly believe in the power of animal companionship and their ability to provide solace and healing to individuals in need. This belief drove me to delve into the realm of therapy with animals, as I am passionate about utilizing their innate therapeutic qualities to benefit others.

In our initial session, my primary focus is on getting to know you and understanding your goals for therapy. I believe that if you are investing your time and energy into our sessions, it is imperative that you derive the necessary benefits from them. As a result, I encourage open communication and invite you to ask any questions you may have. It is crucial for you to feel comfortable and confident in our therapeutic relationship, and I strive to create a safe space where you can freely express yourself.

I strongly believe in providing a space where you can be your authentic self and allowing you the freedom to take the space you need. Recognizing that each individual is unique, I place great value in honoring that uniqueness throughout our therapeutic journey together. In line with my beliefs, I hold the perspective that everyone possesses the inherent ability to find solutions to the challenges they are facing. Given time, patience, and exploration, these solutions can be discovered and embraced. As your therapist, I am here to support and guide you as you navigate your own path towards self-discovery and growth.

• Michigan, Licensed Master’s Social Worker - Clinical, 6801113612

For the past five years, I have dedicated my career to providing individual support to child survivors of abuse and neglect. Initially, my work centered around assisting families with accessing resources and navigating the justice system. However, approximately two years ago, I transitioned into a therapy role, focusing specifically on helping child survivors heal from their traumatic experiences. To further expand my scope of work, I have ventured beyond my agency and established a private practice, where I am able to assist individuals facing a range of diverse challenges. Within this practice, I have developed a specialization in equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) and have formed partnerships with two local farms to offer this therapy to those who are interested. By harnessing the power of the human-animal connection in therapy sessions, I am able to offer a unique approach to therapy.