Connecticut Destigmatized - Amanda Kedzior, LMFT

Amanda Kedzior, LMFT | email

Why do you do what you do?

I truly enjoy helping people discover parts of themselves, whether that is patterns they are not aware of or needs that are old and deep.  I am honored that I get to share the experiences of client’s when something clicks for them, when they are having feelings of sadness, grief, anger, or success.  There are times that this work can be hard but it is always a privilege for me to be a part of a client’s process.

How are you making the world a better place?

I make the world a better place by keeping an open mind and continuously learning about myself.  I think we stay stuck and set ourselves (and others) up for failure if we think we know everything.  I model that I am human, for people in my personal life and in my practice of Marriage and Family Therapy.  

I also make the world a better place by supervising new MFT’s.  I have had wonderful mentors that supported (and still support) my growth and I love giving that back to graduate students or recently graduated MFTs.

What are your thoughts on the stigma around mental health and what solution(s) do you have to destigmatize it?

I normalize mental health by encouraging everyone to go to therapy, and let them know that I see my own therapist.  It may be comforting for others to know that someone they know also goes to therapy.  I emphasize that people who see a therapist are actively trying to make their lives better. There is nothing “wrong” with that goal (or with them for that matter).  It is brave to make the decision to start therapy, to find a therapist, to make the first appointment, and to keep showing up for sessions to change your life.

What would you like to bring to our attention at this time?

I have thought a lot about this question.  I’d like to bring attention to the idea that we are all doing the best we can.  We can be kinder to ourselves and others with this thought.  It can be easy to judge people we know and don’t know.  It can be easy to judge ourselves.  I try to practice this thought with myself, as I can be my hardest critic.  After I remind myself of this idea, I can usually slow down my negative self-talk and thoughts and come up with how I want to move forward.

What is the best way for people to contact you to learn more?

I can be reached by email akedzior@ctcounselingcenter.com phone 203-397-6010 or visit my profile on Psychology Today