Somatic, Relational & Trauma-Informed Therapy

in oregon

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Embodiment & Creativity as Medicine

adidas employees click here to book

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adidas employees click here to book ///

A woman with shoulder-length gray hair with pink ends, sitting at a table with her chin resting on her hand and smiling. She has a septum piercing and is wearing a colorful patterned shirt, a bracelet, and a smartwatch. The background features a lit floor lamp, a painting on the wall, and a pillow on a chair.

As a relational therapist, I work from a neuroqueer, anti-racist framework, blending trauma-informed care with creativity and somatic therapy. My therapeutic approach is rooted in creative expression and mindfulness which helps guide clients back into connection with their true selves. I believe in balancing evidence-based tools with the magic and mystery of ancient techniques, embracing both modern psychology and timeless healing practices. My therapeutic focus includes somatics, trauma, toxic work environments, 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences, and grief. Together, we explore creativity and how it can deepen the therapeutic relationship, opening new pathways for healing.

Book a free consultation

Somatic Therapy:

Soma (meaning ‘of the body’) focuses on how experiences are held in the body. It helps you notice and regulate nervous system responses, process stress and trauma through body awareness, and reconnect with a sense of grounding and safety.

Relational:

Emphasizes the role of connection in healing and focuses on collaboration. It explores patterns in relationships—both past and present—and supports new ways of relating to yourself and others with greater awareness, authenticity, and trust.

Trauma-Informed:

Recognizes how past or ongoing experiences of trauma can impact emotions, the nervous system, and daily life. This means I prioritize emotional safety, autonomy (choice), and pacing, while supporting your healing without re-traumatization.

*Listen*

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*Listen* *

Promotion for a podcast episode titled "Settling is BULLSHIT" featuring images of two women, one with curly hair and glasses, and the other with pink hair, promoting creativity and movement toward healing with somatic therapist Amanda Melbostad.

Curious to hear more about how I work?

Take a listen to this episode of Settling is Bullshit, hosted by Cate Blouke!

We talk about how to find a good therapist, what it means to incorporate creativity into therapy (yes it’s for everyone!), as well as how I work.

Click Here to Listen

Learn to befriend your nervous system to feel at home in your body using…

creativity

Allows us to work with metaphor and makes the intangible world of feelings and sensations into something more tangible.

somatics

Strengthen your mind-body connection through guided breathwork, meditation, and visualizations. Tapping into sensations, sounds, and imagery through a felt sense in the body.

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Diagram of the human nervous system highlighting the brain, spinal cord, and network of nerves extending throughout the body.

I help clients navigate:

  • Healing from past wounds stored in both the mind and body

  • Supporting clients through the difficult process of loss

  • Helping clients realign their work life with their values

  • Providing tools to manage stress and boundaries

  • Offering affirming space for identity exploration and understanding 

  • Helping clients find their authentic voice and navigate societal pressures

  • Offering somatic and mindfulness-based interventions to manage overwhelming emotions 

work with me

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Private Practice

Virtual or In Person Sessions

Located in the historic Gilbert Building in SW near Pioneer Square. ADA accessible.

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Person wearing a black Adidas hoodie holding a yellow smoke bomb and surrounded by colorful smoke at sunset.

Now offering Virtual & In Person Sessions for adidas employees!

You can visit me on campus or at my SW office, just a 10 min drive from campus.

adidas

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“i promote a culture of care and autonomy by helping my clients become self-sufficient, feeling equipped to engage in life’s challenges and build community.”

About Me