Meet Amanda Marks | Psychotherapist | Yoga Teacher | Clinical Supervisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Marks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work life balance has definitely shifted over time and continues to evolve. It’s something that I need to continue to reevaluate and address in my life. When I was younger, I focused solely on work and worked multiple jobs. In fact, I worked multiple jobs up until the pandemic. I like to wear different hats and I believe various work positions as I’ve, such as teaching yoga in a studio or facilitating groups at a local eating disorder treatment center help me reduce my risk of burn out.

It’s easy to get lost in work and to equate with self-worth with how busy and productive I am. However, this does not align with my values and I am honestly tired of the “hustle culture” that is constantly thrown in my face.

I am a human-being and not a human-doing, so I have people in my support system that hold me accountable to make sure that I am not working too much. To make sure that I am practicing self-care items such as rest, sleep, boundaries and limits. I do work hard and am I shifting into a phase in my life where I want to work smarter, not necessarily harder all the time. I make sure I participate in activities and hobbies that fill me back up and replenish my soul, such as travel and joyful movement. I don’t just want to survive, I want to thrive and be an active participate in my own life, not just focusing on how much work I can do in a week or month or year.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and a Master’s Degree in Psychology (with a Counseling speciality) from Argosy University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia and a Certified Professional Clinical Supervisor and offer supervision and consultation services. I also have a Telehealth Licenses in the state of Vermont and Florida.

My clinical experience includes working at psychiatric hospitals and emergency rooms in the Atlanta area conducting assessments. Additionally, I have worked on inpatient units and provided day programming to adolescents and women with eating disorders and trauma. I am very passionate about promoting a neutral/positive body image message, including speaking to dance camps and sororities on how to cultivate and maintain a health body image. I’m an anti-diet therapist and strong advocate of Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating.

I also lead meditation groups and facilitate retreats for women with those wanting to heal their relationship to food and to improve body image with one of my closest friends who I also work closely with. We are excited to resume retreats again soon as the pandemic caused those to cease for some time.

I am a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher and completed my first teacher training under the direction of Isabelle Casey at the Sama Yoga School and the second training in 2021 at the Asheville yoga center. My yoga specialities include energetics, somatic work, and yin yoga. I had the opportunity to co-teach a Yin Yoga Teacher Training in Goa, India.

I am very passionate about working with young adults and women with anxiety, trauma and disordered eating/eating disorders. I offer yoga-infused therapy which incorporates the various limbs of yoga within therapy. Additionally, I am trained in EMDR to help treat anxiety, trauma and complex trauma. I recently started offering EMDR intensives which is a model that I am very excited and passionate about!

I’ll say that my path was definitely not easy. I’ve encountered many professional and personal challenges along the way, including my own self-doubt. However, I am resilient and knew that I could and can overcome any challenges thrown my way! Hence, the birth of Resilient Counseling. I’ve been there… trust me…

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Just a week? Ok, I’d love to do some hiking around Cloudland Canyon which is a bit of a drive from where I live, but totally worth it. I’m a self-proclaimed foodie and you can always find me eating regularly at Henry’s Louisiana Grill and Marlow’s. I also love going to Top Golf and it’s a great stress reliever! Ideally they would visit me during the fall, and I could take my friend to a UGA game in Athens to experience some SEC football and the tailgating experience! Cooking at home is also one of my favorite things to do as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh wow! As cliche as it is, I have a ton of people that have supported me during my career. My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader and support person. Additionally, my own therapist who has been with me during some very difficult times in my life. I want to thank Becca Clegg and Tara Arnold, two “frientors” (friends/mentors) who helped me shape my practice into what it is today and give me the foundation that I needed. My close group of friends that have been there as well. And to all my clients who inspire me daily with their vulnerability and reminders of why I am doing what I’m doing.

Website: ResilientCounseling.net

Instagram: amandamarks.lpc.ryt

Facebook: facebook.com/amandamarkslpcryt