Amie Miceli- Layton, CT
My name is Amie and I am a Counselor Trainee. I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Certificate in American Sign Language from The University of Akron. Before counseling, I worked as an early intervention specialist at an integrated preschool and a direct support professional for adults with disabilities. I am also AMI/NAMTA certified in Montessori Adolescent Studies (ages 12-18). I feel that these past experiences have been valuable to my work as a counselor.
I have experience counseling children as young as 3, adolescents, adults, and families with a wide range of mental health, behavioral, developmental, and trauma-related concerns, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, separation anxiety, divorce, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, developmental and intellectual disability, and those on the autism spectrum, using play therapy techniques under the guidance of a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S). I am also a member of the Association for Play Therapy and am currently pursuing a Registered Play Therapist credential.
My approach to therapy is strengths-based and trauma-informed. I focus on helping clients recognize their existing strengths, understand how past experiences shape present struggles, and create a safe, non-judgmental space where they can process, explore, and heal. Depending on the client’s needs, I incorporate experiential methods that support body-brain connection, such as play therapy techniques, expressive arts, memory reconsolidation work, and EMDR (training in progress).
In addition to working with a variety of mental health needs, I especially enjoy supporting women healing from emotional abuse, members of the Deaf community, and children and teens facing anxiety, trauma, developmental differences, and family stressors. I have training in Formational Prayer, Gottman Method Level 1, Natural Lifemanship (Level 1), and Psychological First Aid, and I can integrate Christian principles upon request.
Outside of counseling, I’m a single mom of two teenagers and love time with my family, being outdoors, horseback riding, roller-skating, music, coffee, and creative movement.