hope.change.live.thrive.
Amanda Ward, LISW
Amanda Ward, MSW, LISW (she/her/hers)
Welcome! I’m excited to share a little about my journey into the field, my clinical experience, and the values that guide my work as a therapist at LakeWest DBT Center. If it sounds like we may be a good fit, I would love the opportunity to get to know you!
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker who is passionate about helping adolescents, young adults, and adults navigate challenges related to mental health, emotional regulation, relationships, self-esteem, and eating concerns. I earned both Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Cincinnati, completing my graduate education with a focus in mental health. I spent a few years post graduate working in community mental health in Cincinnati before moving to Cleveland to be closer to family.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, obsessive compulsive disorder, personality disorders, grief, eating disorders, and difficulties with emotional regulation. My clinical background includes work in community mental health, school-based services, residential settings, and outpatient treatment. Through my experience in intensive outpatient and school based settings, I have facilitated psychoeducation and mindfulness groups to support clients in developing coping skills and enhancing emotional regulation. This range of experience has allowed me to develop a broad understanding of the ways mental health concerns can affect individuals and families across different environments and stages of life.
I utilize evidence-based treatment including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychoeducation, and exposure-based strategies. I work with each client to understand their unique experiences , presenting concerns, culture, identity, strengths, values, and treatment goals when determining which interventions and modality will be most effective. I’d describe my style as warm, genuine, and collaborative. I want therapy to feel genuine and comfortable, where you can show up as yourself. I’ll bring my education and experience, and I’ll also bring my personality, humor, and genuine curiosity about you. I believe that authenticity creates space for honest conversations, meaningful connection, and work that actually feels helpful. I want you to feel heard, understood, and supported while also getting meaningful, intentional work out of our time together.
More about me
I have intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through Portland DBT Institute. I work with adolescents and adults providing adherent DBT for individuals to address emotional dysregulation, self injurious behaviors, suicidality, and impulsivity. Within our comprehensive DBT program, I provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults, phone coaching to my clients, and lead an adult DBT skills group. DBT skills help clients better understand and regulate emotions, tolerate distress, improve relationships, increase mindfulness, and build a life that feels meaningful and manageable. I have also been trained in DBT parent guidance and meet with parents to assist them with psychoeducation and navigating the challenges that arise. My approach to therapy is collaborative, individualized, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I believe that effective therapy begins with creating a relationship in which clients feel respected, understood, and empowered to be active participants in their treatment.
Prior to joining LakeWest DBT Center, I incorporated DBT interventions and skills into my work with clients. I have always been interested in deepening my knowledge and understanding of DBT, and I was excited to join a team where I could continue to grow in this area. I immediately felt aligned with the core principles of DBT, particularly its emphasis on balancing acceptance and change. I appreciate the idea that we are all doing the best we can while also recognizing that we can continue to learn, grow, and create the life that we desire. This perspective resonates with my approach to therapy and my belief in meeting clients with compassion while supporting them in creating meaningful change.
I have a particular clinical interest in working with adolescents and young adults. I recognize that these stages of life can involve significant transitions, including developing independence, navigating changing relationships, managing academic and social pressures, and developing a stronger sense of identity. For adolescents, I believe that therapy is most effective when young people feel that their voice matters and when treatment supports both the adolescent and the important people in their lives. We all want to be heard and I want to provide the space to do so.
A significant area of my clinical interest is eating disorders and challenges related to food, body image, and self-esteem. I recognize that eating concerns can be complex and are often influenced by emotional, behavioral, interpersonal, and environmental factors. I approach this work with compassion and without judgment, helping clients develop a healthier relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves while also addressing the underlying emotional experiences that may contribute to or maintain symptoms. In my work with clients experiencing eating-disorder symptoms, I emphasize the importance of early intervention, collaboration, and individualized treatment. I understand that seeking help for eating concerns can feel vulnerable, particularly for adolescents and young adults, and works to create a therapeutic environment where clients can discuss difficult experiences openly and safely. I have experience utilizing evidence-based approaches to eating-disorder treatment, including Family-Based Treatment (FBT), Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E), and Multidiagnostic Eating Disorder Dialectical Behavior Therapy (MED-DBT). When appropriate, I collaborate with parents, medical providers, dietitians, psychiatrists, and other members of a client's treatment team to support comprehensive care.
I believe that therapy should not simply focus on reducing symptoms, but should also help clients develop the knowledge, skills, confidence, and support they need to move toward the life they want. I am passionate about advocating for my clients and connecting them with resources that support their unique needs and promote their physical and mental health. One of my favorite parts of being a therapist is building the individualized therapeutic relationship with each of my clients. I strongly believe in helping clients to be and feel empowered to achieve their goals.
FAQs
What types of concerns do you treat?
I have clinical experience working with a wide range of diagnoses including anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, eating disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and other disorders involving social-emotional dysregulation. I also work with parents of adolescents who struggle with emotional regulation. I have been trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and DBT parent guidance.
What ages do you treat?
I see clients from age 4 and up. LakeWest DBT Center currently provides comprehensive DBT for adolescents and adults (13 and up).
Do you offer a consultation call?
Of course! I am happy to offer a 15 min free consultation. It is important to get all your questions answered and find the right fit for effective treatment.
How long are typical appointments?
Our standard sessions are 50 minutes. Depending on circumstances, we can adapt to meet your needs.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes! We offer virtual sessions as well as in person. Making care accessible is important to us. Our skills groups are offered in person and virtually as well.
What can I expect from my first appointment?
The first appointment is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. We will talk about your current concerns, your history, and what you hope to gain from treatment. I will also explain my approach to therapy and answer any questions you may have about the therapeutic process.
Will you work with my other providers, such as a physician or psychiatrist?
Absolutely! I believe that best care is collaborative. I will give you the opportunity to sign a release of information which allows your providers to communicate to provide most effective care.
What are your credentials?
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. My license is currently active in the state of Ohio.
How do you stay up to date with current evidence-based treatment and research?
I believe that continued professional development is an essential component of providing responsible and effective clinical care. I regularly engage in continuing education, professional training, consultation, and ongoing learning related to the populations and concerns I serve. I am an active member of a weekly DBT consultation team, where we collaborate with colleagues to discuss clinical needs, participate in ongoing didactic training, and strengthen her clinical practice. I also participate in a monthly eating disorder consultation team to support continued growth and competency in the treatment of eating disorders. I regularly reflect on my clinical work, seek consultation when appropriate, attend training, and continue to expand my knowledge and skills throughout my career.
