Amanda Best

Amanda Best (she/her/hers)

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

LMFT-A

Supervisor: Paula Emerick LMFT

Currently accepting clients for sex, couples, and relational therapy. Specialties include non-monogamy, kink, and c-ptsd.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

971-940-0368

107 SE Washington St. STE 470

Portland, OR 97214

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $150-$200

Provides free initial consultation

Practicing Since: 2022

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual
  • Family
  • Group
  • Relationship
  • Teen

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket
  • OHP CareOregon/HealthShare

My Ideal Client

Are you having the same fight with your partner with slightly different context each time? Do you feel stuck even though you love your partner? Do you feel like your consistently enacting behaviors in your relationship that you're not proud of? Whether you're looking for couples, poly or individual therapy, we start with validating the barriers such as systems of oppression or poor modeling of intimacy that can prevent us from leading with emotional maturity.

My Approach to Helping

As a systemic and relational therapist, I offer a challenging yet nurturing presence to help guide you to your therapeutic goals. Whether it be sexual concerns, resolving trauma, managing anxiety, or changing your relationship structure, I aim to offer support and insight throughout your process. Sex and couples therapy is approached from a queer and feminist framework while issues are contextualized through the systems of patriarchy. As a pleasure activist, I will work with you to deconstruct the impact of patriarchy and individualism to re-route you to your ideal life. Staying pleasure-centered is a value in my therapy, which means there will be fun and hard work. I specialize in the treatment of erotically marginalized folx, queer, trans, non-monogamous, and kink. Modalities for couples and relational therapy are Emotionally Focused Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, and Gottman.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

Originally hailing from the east coast, I was raised in both New York and New Jersey. I have resided in Portland for the past 5 years. I am a first-generation college student and was privileged enough to attend Lewis and Clark College where I completed my Masters in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy. As someone of Greek and Jewish descent, I have spent much of my free time understanding my own culture and others through travel. I find myself the most comfortable in queer and diverse spaces. I have been a social justice activist since I was 19 where you could find me hopping from one Occupy Wall St. camp to another. As a white, cisgender, hetero-passing, able-bodied woman, I have been able to traverse many spaces with ample privilege. Utilizing that privilege to continuously advocate for my community and my clients is how I remain accountable to them. When I’m not doing therapy, I’m usually spending time with my friends, dancing, hiking, and doing colorful makeup!

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Emotionally Focused External link

    If you feel stuck in a negative conflict cycle and as if you cannot break this pattern with your partner, EFT could be for you. We will focus on attachment, emotional safety, and greater emotional intimacy while working from an EFT lens. We will aim to deepen the emotional bond while also catering to your specific relationship structure. I use a socio-culturally attuned approach with using EFT which allows me to translate the theory to queer couples.

  • Narrative  External link

    Whether your looking to re-author the story of your life, align with a new narrative, or deconstruct dominant narratives, working with narrative therapy is a great way for us to co-author your story. My skills as a narrative therapist are focused on facilitating the process of narrative exploration and reconstruction, helping clients gain a fresh perspective on their lives, and empowering them to make meaningful changes in the stories they tell about themselves and their relationship.

  • Gottman Method External link

    With extensive experience in the Gottman Approach, I have catered this empirically backed theory to clients of all backgrounds. I tailor Gottman to your unique needs and concerns while utilizing its structured approach. Gottman is specifically great for couples or individuals looking to enhance communication skills, conflict resolution, and emotional connection.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) External link

    When it comes to understanding your own unique trauma, triggers, and inner child, there is no theory like IFS! Once we building a trusting therapeutic connection, we can utilize IFS to empower you to access the compassionate, centered and wise being that you are. Once we work together to guide you to trust your inner parts, we will watch the triggers melt away.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Sexual Problems External link

    I am well-versed in addressing issues related to sexuality, helping you explore and enhance your sexual well-being, and fostering healthy, fulfilling connections. Whether you're dealing with sexual discrepancies, sexual abuse trauma, ED, or orgasm inequity, we will work together to get to the root of the sexual issue. Exploring sexual health and well being is my top priority in all sexually fluid, asexual, or kink contexts. I use a non-judgemental and affirming stance with all sexual concerns.

  • Relationship / Marriage Issues External link

    I specialize in identifying and helping couples break free from repetitive, unproductive patterns of conflict. Together, we'll explore the underlying issues and develop healthier ways to communicate and resolve disagreements. We'll develop conflict resolution skills tailored to your unique dynamics. You'll learn how to manage disagreements constructively, leading to greater harmony and intimacy in your relationship. My goal is not just to resolve the current conflict but to help you both grow.

  • Polyamorous and Open Relationships External link

    I have extensive experience working with individuals in various non-monogamous relationship structures and that personal issues are not inherently tied to your relationship style. We can focus on improving communication skills, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering trust and intimacy within your relationship(s).

  • LGBTQ Issues External link

    I offer expertise in supporting transgender and non-binary individuals in their journey, including discussions around gender identity, transitioning, and sexual health. I specialize in working with LGBTQI+ couples and families, helping you navigate the complexities of relationships, communication, and intimacy within a supportive and affirming context. I understand the diverse experiences within the LGBTQI+ community and provide a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental space.

  • Women's Issues External link

    I provide guidance on navigating issues related to body image, consent, and self-acceptance. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and confidential environment where you can openly explore your feelings and thoughts related to your femininity. We can challenge societal stereotypes and expectations about femininity, allowing you to define it on your terms and break free from any limitations that may have been imposed on you.

Contact Amanda

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