Meet Amanda
Amanda McManus, the owner and founder of Lionheart Therapy LLC, is dedicated to walking alongside her clients on their healing journeys. She works primarily with adolescents, adults, families, and parents, offering a warm and compassionate approach to therapy.
APPROACH
Amanda believes that everyone has the innate ability to heal and thrive with the right tools and support. Finding a therapist who feels like a good fit is essential for making lasting change, and Amanda values building strong, trusting relationships with her clients. Her approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, warmth, honesty, and humor, creating a space where clients feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions.
With a holistic view of healing, Amanda recognizes that true transformation comes from nurturing all parts of a person’s well-being—the mind, body, and spirit. She aims to provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can explore your feelings, gain insights, and find ways to move forward in a meaningful way.
CLINICAL INTERESTS
Amanda offers personalized therapy sessions tailored to each person’s unique needs. She specializes in empowering clients to embark on their journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Amanda has a particular interest in working with adolescents, families, and parents. She has a special focus on maternal mental health and parenting challenges. She provides both individual and family therapy and has extensive experience addressing a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.
Amanda integrates evidence-based techniques, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Experiential Therapy, to support clients in their journey toward health, happiness, and emotional well-being.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Amanda holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University. She has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) since 2015 and is formally trained in Child-Parent Psychotherapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy.
With years of experience working in clinical settings, Amanda has helped individuals and families navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. Her work is fueled by the belief that there is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone transform into the person they’re meant to be.
-
Anxiety is characterized by persistent feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness, often in response to perceived threats or uncertainty. It can affect daily life by causing physical symptoms, feeling tense/ on edge, and avoidance of certain situations or places.
-
Depression is a mood disorder marked by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. It can impact energy levels, sleep, and concentration, affecting overall quality of life and relationships.
-
Grief and loss refers to the emotional pain and adjustment process that follows the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or other major life changes. This experience can involve a range of feelings, including sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion, and may require support to navigate the healing process.
-
Identity development involves exploring and understanding one’s values, beliefs, and sense of self. This process can help individuals build self-confidence, navigate life choices, and align their actions with their authentic selves.
-
Infertility can be an emotionally challenging experience, often involving feelings of frustration, sadness, and uncertainty. Therapy for infertility provides a supportive space to process these complex emotions and navigate the stress that may come with trying to conceive. Read more here.
-
Life transitions refer to significant changes or milestones, such as moving, starting or ending a relationship, changing careers, or adjusting to a new stage of life. These shifts can bring about feelings of uncertainty, stress, or loss, and therapy can provide support in navigating these changes with resilience and clarity.
-
Parenting challenges involve navigating the complex and sometimes overwhelming responsibilities of raising children, which can include managing behavior, communication, and balancing personal needs. Therapy can help parents build effective strategies, cope with stress, and strengthen their relationships with their children.
-
Perinatal mental health focuses on the emotional well-being of individuals during pregnancy one-year postpartum. It addresses challenges such as anxiety, depression, and adjustment difficulties, helping parents navigate the mental and emotional complexities of this transformative life stage. Read more here.
-
Trauma refers to the psychological and physiological response to an event or series of events that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. It can stem from a single incident or ongoing stress, and often leads to lasting effects on how someone thinks, feels, and interacts with the world.
-
Women's issues encompass a range of concerns unique to women, including but not limited to challenges related to identity, relationships, fertility, career, and family life. I provide support to help women build resilience, self-empowerment, and balance in all aspects of their lives.
