Last edited 01/09/2024

Amy GrovenLMFT
LMFT
She / Her / Hers
Accepting New Clients
Identifies As
She / Her / Hers
Get To Know Me
What’s the most profound, insightful, or interesting thing you’ve learned as a mental health professional?
Three things: 1) Something my very first supervisor said to me (way back when I was a graduate student) still sticks with me today, and that is to give my client’s a different experience. We need to venture into that new territory where change lives. That means we have to entertain the idea of new ways of being, and create environments where we experience the life we want. 2) You cannot pour from an empty cup. If you are not taking care of yourself first, you will have nothing to give anyone else. 3) Trauma is a mental injury that you can rehabilitate from.
What is your style/approach to therapy?
I work with clients to overcome their past, calm their bodies, and bring peace to their own lives. My practice focuses on bolstering strengths so you can face your past and find new meaning in life. I utilize a variety of techniques, such as grounding and meditation, somatic interventions, EMDR, as well as talk therapy techniques. I trust that you know what is best for you, and collaborate with you to make goals. Together, will work to find ways to get your needs met in healthy ways. I have experience helping people build their self-esteem and self-worth, while decreasing feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and worthlessness. I have extensive history working with sexual abuse victims and perpetrators, trauma, domestic violence victims and perpetrators, anxiety and depression. Healing is challenging work, but I will be right beside you as you take the steps necessary to build the life you want to live.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I show up for my clients as my authentic self. It is the only way to have an authentic relationship with my clients. For many who suffer with trauma related issues, being authentic can be something they desperately want, but at the same time their trauma tells them it is not safe. This leaves people feeling shame, and unworthy of love and belonging. Creating a space where it is safe to explore this part of themselves is often beneficial in dropping shame, and embracing life. This aspect of the therapeutic relationship is incredibly healing, and I am often humbled and honored to be apart of that process.
Learn more about my:
Specialties
Specializes in
Abuse/Survivors of abuseDissociative disordersSex AddictionSexual Harassment & AssaultSubstance abuse
General Expertise
DepressionAnxietyWork StressAddictionAttachment issuesCodependencyDomestic violenceDrug addiction & abusePost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Self HarmStressTraumaWomen's issues
Treatment Approaches
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gestalt TherapyInternal Family Systems TherapySomatic TherapyDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational Interviewing
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Individual TherapyMarriage & Couples Counseling
Serves Ages
ParentsYoung Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)Seniors (65+)
Languages
English
Professional Background
LicensureCalifornia, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 100183
Training/CertificationsInstitute for Sensorimotor Art- Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing- still in progress (21hr program)Trauma Research Institute Certificate in Trauma Studies- still in progress (70hr program)Peer Counseling Training 2020- 72hrsEMDRIA- EMDR Simplifying Case Formulation 2020-3 hrsEMDRIA- EMDR Transgenerational Impact of Trauma 2020- 3 hrsEMDRIA- EMDR Facilitated by Internal Family Systems 2020- 3hrsStrangulation Summit 2020- 16 hrsEMDR Training Course: Integrating EMDR Into Your Practice 2019- 50 hrsAdvanced Topics in Clinical Supervision 2019- 6hrsSupervision in the Recovery Field 2019- 7hrsSupervision in Social Work Practice 2019- 3 hrsNew Directions in Prevention- 2019 2hrsUse of Animated Pornography Among Sex Offenders 2019- 3hrsEffective Forensic Reports and Documentation 2019- 3.5hrsMotivational Interviewing: Breaking through Resistance 2019- 3 hrsEngaging Resistance 2019- 3hrsLevel of Service/ Case Management Inventory training and re-certification- 2019 4hrsStable 2007 training and recertification- 2019 4hrsConfidentiality in Psychotherapy and Counseling: Ethical, Legal and Clinical Issues 2018- 6 hrsHIV/ AIDS Assessment and Treatment 2018- 7hrsCASOMB Treatment Completion Guidelines 2018- 5 hrsSexual Coercion: From Persuasion to Sadism 2018- 3.5 hrsEMDR Certificate 2017 – 40 hrsTrauma Informed issues, Assessment, and Intervention for Sexual Offenders 2016- 3hrsWriting Treatment plans and Identifying Responsivity 2016- 3 hrsEthical Concerns in the Treatment and Management of Individuals who have Offended Sexually 2016- 3.5 hrsPractical Approaches and Implications of Sex Offender Assessment and Treatment 2016- 4.5 hrs2015 CCOSO conference- 13 hrsDomestic Violence Update with emphasis on LGBTQ population 2014- 4 hrsDomestic Violence Update with emphasis on trauma informed therapy 2013- 6 hrs
Education
MA, Psychology with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, Chapman University
BA, Psychology, California State University Sacramento
Work HistoryI love the blend of working in a community agency, and having my own private practice. Prior to the agency I currently work for, I worked with clients who were mandated by the court to come to therapy. Many of those clients broke the law in violent and/or sexual manner. I eventually became a director at that agency and over saw the treatment of those on probation and parole. As you can imagine, working with that population means treating various mental health and behavioral management issues. I stayed there for about 7 years, until I moved to be closer to my family. In my current agency work, I work with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and supervise other therapists who are gaining their hours towards licensure. All the while I have maintained my own private practice helping clients who have experienced trauma in a multitude of ways, as well as other mental health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Amy Groven, LMFT, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Amy Groven accepting new clients?
Yes, Amy Groven is accepting new clients.
Does Amy Groven accept insurance?
No, Amy Groven does not accept insurance.
What types of therapy does Amy Groven offer?
Amy Groven offers therapy for couples and individuals.
Does Amy Groven offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in California can book Amy Groven for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Amy Groven offer online therapy?
Yes, Amy Groven offers online therapy to people in California.
How quickly can I see Amy Groven?
Amy Groven typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Amy Groven speak?
Amy Groven conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Amy Groven online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Amy Groven online using Choosing Therapy’s directory.
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