Amanda Pouncy-Ross, MPH, MSSW, LCSW

I’m a social worker, therapist, and health educator with a quirky sense of humor, and a love for funky earrings. If Ms. Frizzle, Daria, and Tracee Ellis Ross had a baby that baby is me. I’m a big fan of existential questions like, “who am I, and what does all of this mean?”, so if you’re trying to figure those things out you’re in the right place! 

When you think about therapy with me, imagine your favorite things about yourself, your life, and culture are in the room with us. Many of the things you may not like about yourself or your life may also be invited to the party—and that’s totally okay and normal! Maybe those things aren’t always comfy or fun for you, but we will work together to find healing and acceptance, and figure out what you want to keep or let go of, what you might like to learn, and how you’ll do it.

I approach therapy as a space to figure out who you are, embrace you as your full self, and ask questions about what life means, where you’ve been, and where you’re going. I will remain curious and creative, and together we will figure out what therapeutic tools work best for you. I may integrate guided imagery, movement, breathwork, mindfulness, creative arts, music, games, and other activities that may be more abstract than typical talk therapy.

I’m my best self when I’m: laughing, cooking, doing yoga, imagining and creating art, exploring nature, or reading one of the 3 or 4 books I keep in my currently reading pile. I bring my entire self—all of the messy, goofy, nerdy pieces—and I want you to know that when you are in therapy with me you get to be your whole self too. It is my honor to ensure that the relationship we create is supportive, challenging, and welcoming to vulnerability and honesty. No matter the day, the occasion, or the need, I strive to create a trauma-responsive liberation space where you feel like you are coming home to yourself and leaving shame behind. 

Let’s Journey Together

Navigating school, work, and relationships can be difficult on their own, and that is made more complex by the many layers of our identities that shape how we experience the world. As a queer, femme, Black, and mixed-race person, I know how confusing it can be when the world makes you feel like you don’t belong or fit anywhere. Our unique and complex identities ensure that every healing and liberation journey is different, and I am here to guide you on that journey.

Focus Areas

Identity Exploration & Development

Who are you and how do you want to exist in the world? Sometimes these questions are hard to answer but we can explore them with curiosity and awe together. I invite you to bring your authentic self here.


Gender, Sexuality & Expansive Self-Expression

There are key parts of our lives that define us and set us apart from others. How we dress, who we love, and how we define ourselves can be a joyful and exciting exploration. I’m here to help you celebrate you.

Disordered Eating & Body Image

Have you been on a diet for your entire life? Would you give anything just to feel good in your own skin? I practice utilizing a body liberation framework and focus on connecting to the body in new ways to support healing and growth.

Racial & Cultural Exploration

How we are perceived and how we view ourselves impact our inner world and relationships with others. It's crucial to discover our own culture and identity, separate from what others pass down to us. Being creative and curious helps us heal with and for our ancestors.

Self Compassion & Shame Resilience

Is your negative self-talk controlling you? How would it feel to accept yourself as you are, flaws and all? It is possible to embrace your mistakes and take pride in who you are.


Abolition, Social Justice & Oppression

I practice utilizing a radical anti-capitalist, liberation framework to support with peeling the onion to identify generational trauma, oppression, and see the cracks in the system that help us to imagine a better world.

Services

  • An opportunity to explore your identity, experiences, and relationships one-on-one within the safety of a relational, therapeutic container.

  • An opportunity for a group of two or more to navigate issues together. This can be helpful for strengthening relational skills, building connections, sharing resources, and learning to navigate generative conflict in a supportive environment.

  • Parent Coaching is for parents and guardians who are seeking support with navigating things that come up with their children, particularly those who are navigating neurodivergence, LGBTQ+ issues, racial issues, and eating disorders with more directive, short-term goals than would be typically provided in individual or family therapy.

  • I offer personalized psychedelic preparation and integration coaching, providing clients with guidance and support before and after their therapeutic journeys. These services help cultivate insights, promote healing, and ensure the safe and effective incorporation of psychedelic experiences into daily life.

  • For professionals seeking support with navigating neurodivergence, LGBTQ+ issues, BIPOC issues, abolition, harm reduction, organizing and democratic processes (unions, co-ops, coalitions, etc.).

  • Workshops and group facilitation focused on pleasure, joy, identity, abolition, and harm reduction are especially welcomed. We are also open to special requests and will evaluate inquiries not listed here on a case-by-case basis.