My role in supporting you
Whether you are feeling stuck, in crisis or preparing for a change, I am here to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to better understand yourself and your path forward and to increase your capacity to navigate difficult life events, overcome fear and anxiety and heal from past trauma wounds— and ultimately experience more meaning and fulfillment in your life.
I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Chicago in 2003 and am licensed in both Arkansas and Illinois. I specialize in treating anxiety and trauma. I often incorporate somatic experiencing, a body-oriented approach, into traditional talk therapy. In my work I have realized that often times anxiety and depression stem from wounds of the past. When we experience something disturbing or even scary and threatening, our bodies, both the physical sensations and emotions that result from it, often become stuck. Tuning into feelings and sensations in our body can help release them and in turn we feel more in control of ourselves emotionally and more regulated/balanced. I also draw from cognitive behavioral therapy which helps in becoming more aware of how thoughts and beliefs may be contributing to feelings and then discovering alternative perspectives that may be more helpful. I enjoy working with both adolescents and adults and am LGBTQ affirming.
Amy Ballard
LPC, LCPC, SEP, MEd