Amy Hughes
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Pronouns: She/Her
Identities: Capricorn, Asian-American, Empty Nester
Therapeutic Style: Encouraging, Compassionate and Humorous
Works with:
- Individuals
- Teens
Who I am as a Therapist
I believe one’s physical, emotional, and psychological wellness are intertwined and cannot be addressed independently of each other. We are not designed to hurt in isolation, and therefore connection is inherent to the healing process.
I prefer to work with clients in the Generation Z and Millennial age range using a variety of therapeutic
interventions. My work with clients has involved treating mood disorders and identity concerns. Clients
have been new to counseling or have returned to therapy, and are motivated to move forward. Over the
years, I have helped clients address anxiety, binge eating, depression, gender dysphoria, sexuality issues, self-harm, shame, and stress.
My professional style includes components of evidence-based theoretical approaches. I am a trauma informed, culturally sensitive clinician and strive to give clients a safe place to unload and explore their challenges. Each and every one of us has inner strength, and as a therapist I take on a role of gently guiding and encouraging to take healthy risks towards growth. I draw on concepts of radical acceptance, mindfulness, and self-compassion. I help clients learn effective skills to replace helplessness and hopelessness, and to better understand how maladaptive coping strategies were survival skills.
I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from New York University. After graduation, I began
practicing as a therapist at an outpatient clinic in New York, where I lived for eleven years. Since that time, I have lived in San Francisco and Portland. I have worked in other mental health settings and have taken hiatuses to work in other fields and raise a family.
“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” —Maya Angelou
Specialty Areas
Mental Health Challenges
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Disordered Eating
- Gender transitions
- Grief and Loss
- Identity Development
- LGBTQIA+
- Life Transitions
- Mood Dysregulation
- Trauma Recovery (PTSD & Abuse)
Therapeutic Approaches
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
- Mindfulness
- Psychodynamic
- Transgender Affirming Care
Who I am when I’m not a Therapist
I was born and raised on the East Coast in a small town in Pennsylvania. When I was ten years old, we spent a year living in Munich and traveling around Europe—this was a life changer. Ever since, I’ve tried to find balance in having a structured, low-key lifestyle and exploring new places. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and writing, taking spin and yoga classes, and practicing other forms of self-care. I live with my spouse and senior pets. When possible, we love to visit our kids and attend music events.
Education
-
Master’s in Social Work from School of Social Work at New York University, NYC, NY
- BA in Psychology from New York University, NYC, NY
Training & Experience
- 10+ years of outpatient clinical experience
- I have worked in other mental health settings and have taken hiatuses to work in other fields