About

Amanda Peclat-Begin

"I love knowing people’s stories and lived experiences, and I was always drawn to understanding myself and others on a deeper, more meaningful level."

Why I became a therapist

I first became interested in psychology and working as a therapist as a teenager. I always had a heart for supporting people and holding space; I love knowing people’s stories and lived experiences, and I was always drawn to understanding myself and others on a deeper, more meaningful level. I am and have remained a therapist because I believe in the power of the therapeutic process and relationship as someone with years of experience both as the therapist and the client. Having a non-judgmental and open space to explore feelings, experiences, and behaviors with someone who can witness and hold space for the full spectrum of the human condition and meeting you where you are is transformative, powerful, and healing. I seek to foster a space where both therapist and client can show up authentically throughout this stop on the healing journey.

Who I work with

I have worked with individuals across the lifespan (from toddlers to folks in their late 60s) with a variety of concerns ranging from life transitions, ADHD symptom management, depression, anxiety, gender identity and transitioning, complex trauma, family of origin issues, sexuality, first-generation related stressors, religious deconstruction, and many others. I have worked predominantly with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ clients throughout my career, and with immigrants in legal and clinical capacities throughout my employment history.

"I am not the only expert in the room–you bring a rich and complex history full of experiences and strengths invaluable to the therapeutic relationship. We will work together to determine the best way to collectively accomplish your goals, whether big or small."

Working With Me

I take a holistic approach to mental health conceptualization and treatment; your experiences and any symptoms you may experience do not exist in a vacuum unaffected by other dimensions such as your physical health, current events, or the dominant cultural narratives of cisheteronormativity, white supremacy, and patriarchy. Therapy itself is a political statement. As such, I take a collaborative approach to therapy and treatment. I am not the only expert in the room–you bring a rich and complex history full of experiences and strengths invaluable to the therapeutic relationship. We will work together to determine the best way to collectively accomplish your goals, whether big or small. I practice from a social justice-oriented and culturally-affirming perspective and draw from many theories of therapeutic practice–including person-centered, feminist, narrative, queer, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and solution-focused–as appropriate to what you need from our work together. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Additionally, I am training to become a drama therapist and love to utilize creative and expressive arts in practice as necessary and as you are comfortable.

My Qualifications and trainings

  • I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and my Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a minor in Portuguese from the University of Georgia. I was a research assistant in the Culturally Responsive Research and Interventions in Global Settings (CURRIGS) Lab;
  • I received my Master of Arts in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health specialization from Adler University;
  • I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC);
  • I am a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), including memberships in the Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ) and the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) divisions within the ACA;
  • I am currently an Alternative Training Student with the Center for Creative Arts Therapy and on track to become a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT), which includes 45 hours of psychodrama training;
  • I am trained and qualified in assessing and writing letters for gender-affirming care and surgeries;
  • I am a former LGBTQIA+ affirming and sex-positive sex educator;
  • I am trained and well-versed in writing psychosocial evaluations for immigration petitions (VAWA, Extreme Hardship, Cancellation of Removal, U-Visas, T-Visas, and Asylum).

Ready to overcome the barriers holding you back?