Amanda Aguilera

Relationships (with ourselves or others) are where our deepest hurts and greatest joys live. It is brave to seek support when things feel messy or overwhelming. You don't have to be perfect to lead, love, or live well—you just need to feel steady and supported.

With more than 17 years of experience as a contemplative psychotherapist, I support adults and couples in navigating anxiety, transitions (identities, life, and family), relationship and systemic challenges, and a variety of mental health issues. My practice is rooted in the present moment and Buddhist psychology, which means we start from the belief that you already possess an innate wisdom and basic goodness that needs the opportunity to be uncovered. I offer an unconditional presence and a place to explore this freely. If that resonates, I'd love to connect and see if we're a good fit.

My Approach to Care

I specialize in social power dynamics and Contemplative Psychotherapy, integrating training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and other therapeutic modalities, offering a systemic lens that honors your whole identity while helping you navigate internal and external conflicts. Whether repairing trust after betrayal, navigating neurodivergence, exploring the complexities of life and identity transitions, or reclaiming your voice within complex systems, I provide the tools needed for deep healing and self-awareness. While I serve adults with any identity, I especially welcome neurodivergent, trans, queer, people with criminal histories, and polyamorous folks who need a therapist who offers a nonjudgmental and experienced perspective.

My passion is supporting others in their human journeys toward power-consciousness and right-relationship with themselves, others, and the larger world around us. This includes navigating conflict, befriending our shadows, and learning more about what is most meaningful to us. Working together, you can expect an open and attentive environment where I prioritize your dignity and sense of belonging. My style is both spacious and direct, and I tailor my approach to your unique needs, orientation, and preferences.

A Journey into Exceptional Patient Care

When I finally found what gave me the strength & flexibility to hold the distress, it was through my relationship with what I call my rooted self and with those who helped me to cultivate my own personal power, time in the natural world, and what was most meaningful to me (not to someone else or dominant culture). I've come to see that the most powerful healing often happens when we uncover our own inner wisdom with those who hold it with respect & care.

I've lived in places across the globe, learning different languages, cultures, and ways of being, always moving in search of answers to the distress and disconnection I felt within and around me. Along the way, I studied books, sought spiritual or mystical experiences, and meditated. I was told to turn toward the distress, discomfort, or dissonance, but it felt overwhelming without the right support or understanding. Most of modernity's structures do not support the connection, space, and care required for such human work.

When I finally found what gave me the strength and flexibility to hold the distress, it was through my relationship with what I call my rooted self and with those who helped me cultivate my own personal power, time in the natural world, and what was most meaningful to me (not to someone else or the dominant culture). I've come to see that the most powerful healing often happens when we uncover our own inner wisdom with those who hold it with respect and care.

I am a mother to three (two girls and one nonbinary kiddo) and partner to one fabulous trans human. Alongside my family, I enjoy time alone, being in nature, and doing creative things. I love to read, write, and research (even though I'm a recovering academic). While I don't have time anymore for things like Latin dance or martial arts, I try to move as much as I can, mostly through intentional or integrated movement for my hypermobile body, and by taking walks.