Clinician Spotlight - Dr. Amy A. Morgan
Four Corners Counseling & Well-Being has skilled, experienced, and compassionate therapists, and we want to share some of what makes them special! Amy specializes in Couples, family, and relationship issues, trauma, life transitions, mood disorders, healing from past hurts, anxiety, working toward healthier relationships.
What brings you joy in your daily life?
My dogs, my home, and the important people in my life. It’s easy to let day-to-day stressors be the thief of joy. When I am purposefully mindful, it’s actually the mundane everyday moments that coalesce into joy; morning coffee, afternoon walks, shared plans, ordinary Tuesdays.
What are your hobbies or aspirations outside of being a therapist?
My full-time job is being a professor at the University of Maryland and it is truly my dream job. I love being a researcher, teacher, and training the next generation of therapists. I aspire to be someone who truly makes a difference in my clinical practice (at FCCW), research, and teaching.
My hobbies are hiking, playing tennis, working on puzzles, and baking – all things I’m not particularly great at but really enjoy nonetheless.
What’s your favorite quote or mantra you can’t live without?
I love learning, especially when it may help others around me and this quote has always resonated with me as a professor, therapist, and human.
What is your style of therapy?
I am warm and compassionate, and I am also direct and authentic. To know me as a therapist is to know me as a person. I strive to be empowering and collaborative, while also being transparent about my thoughts, observations, and curiosities. Many of my previous clients have described me as a therapist who is affirming, safe, and trustworthy, and someone who gently pursues change at a tolerable pace.
What are three "fun facts" about you?
I have two middle names, which makes my initials longer than my first name
I love music – I dance, play a few instruments, and love concerts.
I have a wanderer’s soul and love to travel, but the pandemic made me realize how much I love being at home too.
What's the most valuable thing you've learned...in life? As a therapist?
The value of duality – that situations can be both right and wrong, painful and worthwhile, full of love and fear, all at the same time. Dualistic thinking has helped me recognize that we sometimes have a part in the pain we experience, which can actually be empowering. When I have a frustrating interaction with another person, I validate what I am feeling and then ask myself the part I played and what I can do moving forward. Whenever something difficult happens, I acknowledge the pain and the challenge while also asking myself what opportunities this challenge represents – can I learn and grow from it? Maybe not, but how wonderful if I can.
Are you a dog or a cat person?
I am such a dog person. I am in awe of how much unconditional love they have to give – and how well attuned they are to the wellbeing of others. I have a 10-year-old black lab rescue, Senna, who loves her people, is skeptical of strangers, and sometimes grumpy. I also have a 2-year-old Golden Retriever, Bowie, who is very sweet and goofy. At present, I am training Bowie to be a certified therapy dog so that we can volunteer at hospitals and retirement homes.
What modalities are you drawn to using in the therapy room?
As a couple and family therapist, I see people in the context of their culture, relationships, and communities. Broadly, my approach as a therapist can be described as attachment and trauma informed, and I pull in models such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), and other evidence-based treatments depending on clients’ therapy goals. I work with individuals, couples, and families to understand and unburden the past hurts that shape present day challenges. We’ll work collaboratively on developing a healthier self and healthier relationships.
What is one interesting thing you have done or learned during the pandemic?
I’ve become really interested (and maybe even decent at) interior decorating. Spending so much time at home made me truly appreciate that a home should feel more than just a place that I live, but an important aspect of my life. I have really enjoyed experimenting with bold elements and classic neutrals – it’s really fun!
To read Amy’s formal education and work bio click here.
