by 
Email me to ask anything or to schedule with me directly: amanda@hopemft.com
Specializations: Compulsive Sexual Behavior, Betrayal Trauma, Infidelity, Couples, PTSD
Part of the Utah Valley Business Q’s 40 Under 40 for 2024!
I feel honored to be included in people’s most intimate journeys and am inspired by each client in a special way. I approache therapy through an attachment perspective using EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. I use my warmth, humor, education, honesty, and experience to help clients make healthy changes and gain an understanding of themselves and what matters most to them. I respect the perseverance it takes to continue trying in the midst of tremendous pain and I will help with hope and healing along the way.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been doing therapy now for 13 years. I am specialized in treating couples affected by pornography and out of control or compulsive sexual behavior. For those stuck in unwanted sexual patterns, I focus on accountability and help you learn how to truly connect instead of escape. I will empower betrayed partners to create healthy boundaries and understand betrayal trauma and its impact. I will facilitate a full disclosure for the couple so they can heal and rebuild trust. I am also trained in treating trauma through EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I am a co-host of the podcast, Not The Experts, which focuses on betrayal trauma resilience (we need some new episodes), and I have been a guest on several other podcasts. I am on the board of Reach10 and have presented at multiple conferences and workshops including the SA Lifeline Conference, SA Lifeline Women’s Retreat, BYU Summer Series training therapists, multiple betrayal trauma conferences, etc. I am also an AAMFT Approved Supervisor for therapists in training and very much enjoy helping newer therapists find their identity and strengths in the therapy room. I am currently Adjunct Faculty at Brigham Young University teaching practicum and Sexual Development and Analysis for MFT Masters students.
I am the owner of Hope Therapy and every member of the team is special and important to me. My husband and I have grown the business for the last 8 years with our main focus being to provide quality therapy and mentoring the incredible therapists. I was featured in the Utah Valley Business Q’s 40 Under 40 and feel honored to serve the community in such a meaningful way.
I love my husband and four kids dearly. I am a very passionate person and if I love something, you know it. Other loves are ballet, horses, the beach, flowers, food, and visiting my hometown in Georgia.
Qualifications:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University in 2014
- AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Supervisor Mentor
- EMDR Trained
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed through IFS Online Circle Program and multiple speciality trainings
- Adjunct Faculty at Brigham Young University
- Betrayal Trauma Certification by Dr. Kevin Skinner, IITAP approved
Media:
Amanda speaks on Geoff and Jody Steurer’s podcast From Crisis to Connection on creating healing rituals in marriage:
https://www.geoffsteurer.com/podcasts/from-crisis-to-connection-with-geoff-jody-steurer?page=2
Amanda speaks about the benefits of EMDR on the Breaking The Silence Podcast:
https://reach10.org/emdr-how-can-it-help-with-overcoming-pornography-amanda-christenson/
Amanda speaks on the Breaking The Silence Podcast on boundaries and building trust for couples dealing with sexual addiction and betrayal trauma:
Amanda speaks on the One Life Podcast on Pornography and Sexual Addiction, posted on the Utah Coalition Against Pornography website:
Hope Therapy 