Jaydee Amoloza, LCSW-C

Healing Work

Therapy with me: I strive to create a space where you feel truly seen and heard, with empathy and without judgment. I employ a range of techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness and working with parts through a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive perspective. My goal is to help you identify and use your strengths to build new skills and heal.

My impacting identifies/roles that inform my work: I am a cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied female. I know what it is like to be “other” and “between”. I was born in the Philippines, grew up experiencing this country as a non-white immigrant and am raising bi-racial children. II believe that we all have varying levels of power and privilege in different areas of our lives and that it is our responsibility to use what power and privilege we have to help others. I chose the field of social work because of its focus on human dignity, understanding the effects of oppressive systems and improving people’s lives. I continually try to identify and reflect on my biases.

I feel informed and knowledgeable about: anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidality, the college search process for both parents and teens, college student life, life transitions, being an LGBTQ+ ally, ADHD, aspects of the immigrant experience, challenges facing couples and the impact of trauma on mind and body.

I work best with clients who: Are willing to explore the patterns and feelings that influence how they move through life.

I am not a good clinical fit for clients who: Are expecting a structured/manualized therapeutic process. Your goals and needs will guide the process as opposed to a step-by-step outline.

What makes me unique: I know how lonely struggling can feel. You are not alone. I know that deciding to seek therapy takes tremendous courage. I believe taking that step is a sign of strength and hope having had to face stigma to take that step myself. I know that one small change is all it takes to make progress. I consider it a privilege and an honor to be entrusted with your story and I look forward to working with you on this part of your journey.

Learning and Growing

– I am slowly completing a course on ACT Immersion, introduction to ACT as a Process-based Therapy with Stephen C. Hayes, Ph. D., which combines aspects of many of the techniques and approaches I have studied and used with clients.

– I am learning more about “decolonizing” mental health since much of my experience with the idea of “decolonization” involves having come from a country that was colonized by multiple countries and understanding the internalized beliefs and intergenerational impacts that have come from those cultural influences.

Fun Facts/Resilience Building

What resources me to build resilience: My happy place is “big water” as my family affectionately calls it — the ocean for sure but anywhere with water or a wide view of the sky gives me a deep sense of peace. I play multiple instruments and am currently focusing on fiddle. Trying to learn by ear uses a totally different part of my brain which is both challenging and fun. My husband and I play with a group of friends and someday I hope to be able to keep up at some of the local jam sessions. Our tween and teen will even play with us sometimes and we all share a love of musical theater. Prioritizing family time despite busy schedules keeps me grounded. Discovering fandom as an adult is an outlet for silly fun that I never allowed myself as a “responsible child”.

Education

Washington University in St. Louis

• MSW, George Warren Brown School of Social Work
• BA in Psychology, Minor in French, College of Arts & Sciences
• BS in Applied Science (Computer Science), McKelvey School of Engineering

Certifications/Trainings

• Essentials of CBT through the Beck Institute with Judith S. Beck, Ph.D.
• Gottman Method (Level 1) with John Gottman, Ph.D. and Julie Schwartz Gottman, Ph.D.
• Janina Fisher’s Trauma Treatment Certification Training (CCTP): The Latest Advances and Proven Techniques to Resolve Deeply Held Trauma
• Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Trauma, Anxiety and Grief: Clinical Tools to Connect Clients to their Parts for Deeper Healing

What I’m Reading Currently

– Trauma Informed Bodywork by Chelsea Haverly and Emily Young