"The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind."
William James
What is Family Systems Therapy?
Systems therapy draws on systems thinking where individual are seen as parts of larger systems and the family is seen as the essential emotional unit. Systems thinking when applied to therapy means that behavior is often informed by and inseparable from the functioning of the system as a whole. Pathology or dysfunction is therefore not found in any one individual, but rather in the connections and interactions between people in the system or the way an individual perceives themselves in relation to those around them. The solutions that we seek are therefore found in those important relationships and in shaping the way a person perceives the narrative of their life in relation to others.
Marriage and Family Therapy
Secure Attachment
Healthy Communication
(In-state TX residents only)
Individual, couple, or family sessions can help heal yourself and your relationships.
Struggling in your most important relationship? Couples counseling sessions help clients understand secure attachment and develop the communication skills they need to be successful in their relationships. Let me help you find the best in each other.
In individual or family sessions, clients explore how to develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters and develop a solid sense of self to make it through the storms and stress of life. Schedule an appointment today and see what I can do for you.
Rates: $145 - 60-minute intake appointment)
$135 - 45 minute follow up appointments
(No insurance accepted)
Online Personal & Relational Coaching
A Happier, Healthier You
Online coaching provides an opportunity for help when in-person therapy appointments are not needed. Coaching sessions are designed to help in cases where therapy is not necessary, but extra personal or relational support is beneficial. In coaching sessions, we’ll work to solve current problems, improve positive thinking and behavior, and facilitate personal and relational development. These sessions may be individual, couple, parent/child, etc. In individual or family sessions, clients explore how to develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters and develop a solid sense of self to make it through the storms and stress of life.
Online coaching takes place on a private, secure platform. Coaching services are not intended to diagnose or treat mental illness. If at any time I have concerns that a higher level of care is needed, I will help you in finding a licensed professional in your state who can provide counseling services.
Contact me for a free 15 minute phone consultation.
Rates: $145 - 60 minute intake appointment
$135 - 45 minute follow up appointments
(No insurance accepted)
About Me
Education & Experience
I have a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and have been a practicing family systems therapist for the last 20 years. I started my career working at an in-patient facility for youth who had sexually offended and then spent 10 years as a clinical coordinator at a youth service bureau in CT. While there, I supervised interns, taught workshops, ran groups and conducted individual and family therapy. Upon moving to TX in 2013, in addition to continuing to practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I began teaching college classes and currently supervise practicum students in a Marriage and Family Studies program. My latest projects are as co-host of the Unfold REAL podcast and REAL Retreats which you can find out more about on the website.
Interests & Specialties
I am passionate about helping individuals from a systems perspective and in healing those important relationships. Even in individual therapy, the focus is on how relationships have helped form our life narrative and how we can change our lives by changing our thinking about them. I specialize and am certified in parenting, pre-marital education and marriage and communication programs, although I also work with individuals with many different challenges, including faith crisis/transition. I consider myself a Brief Narrative therapist, but focus heavily on Emotionally Focused therapy for couples as well as Logotherapy (Theory of Meaning) for individuals. I acknowledge that it can be really difficult to come into therapy initially and sessions can sometimes be emotionally draining. I make every effort to support clients while telling clients what I believe in my professional opinion they need to hear that will allow them to make the positive changes in their lives they are seeking.
I have been married to my husband, Ben since 2000 and we have three children.
Amanda’s take on therapy is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I came in feeling completely hopeless and broken. Each session, she challenged my thought patterns in ways I never thought possible. Amanda helped me see my problems - whether simple or overwhelming - in a different way. I always left her feeling completely empowered. She has caused a mental paradigm shift that has altered my life in such a way that no future potential trauma could ever undermine my happiness.
Female, 28 years old
Amanda was able to help our family through one of the most difficult times in our life. We will forever be grateful for the intuition Amanda has, and how she applies her professional training in such a gentle way. We have referred several friends and family members.
Couple, 40 years old
"Amanda really helped me. I had seen a few other therapists before but nothing really clicked. At the time I had started experimenting with drugs, my relationship was on the rocks, and I couldn't trust myself at all. After just a few sessions I felt like a completely different person. She gave me the tools I needed to work through things on my own. I have a new and honest confidence now. I call the shots in my life now. I can't say enough, I can't thank her enough."
Female, 22 years old
Contact Me
Amanda Buswell LMFT
