Amy Sander Montanez introduces her work as a guide, therapist, coach, and spiritual director.
I know I have a bunch of letters behind my name, but when I think about what I really do in the world, these words come to mind:
For 32 years, I have had a private practice of therapy and coaching.
Amy Sander Montanez has practiced therapy and coaching for 32 years in Columbia, SC.
If you are interested in this kind of work, you can read about my clinical work at Wholistic Therapy and Coaching Center.
I travel to speak, lead retreats, and teach, which you can read about here.
I also teach in the Spiritual Direction certification program at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS).
I have three published books and several blogs which you can read about here.
Degrees: Master's of Education in Counseling (M. Ed.), Doctorate in Ministry (D.Min.)
Licenses: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Certifications & Trainings: Life Coach, PeopleMap Trainer, Spiritual Director, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Amy Sander Montanez in the office and on the road speaking and teaching.
In the office
I specialize in a few things: I love working with couples of all kinds. I also love working with anyone who feels stuck in life and wants to move forward in joy and abundance. I am not afraid of grief and loss, and I feel comfortable holding space for the suffering and pain of others. I am known for my therapeutic work with clergy and seminarians of all denominations. Because I am trained as a systems thinker/therapist, I am always on the look out for how our personal and institutional systems are impacting our lives and choices.
On the road
I especially like to talk about forgiveness and hope during times of crisis, about the moment to moment spiritual journey, about relationships, and about peace-making. I believe we are all leaders and love to talk about leadership. I love leading retreats for women about whatever women want to talk or learn about. I teach in the Spiritual Direction program at LTSS on the topics of forgiveness and mental health issues in Spiritual Direction.
Let me tell you what else brings joy to my life.
Amy shares what brings joy beyond her professional work.
Certainly my husband and daughter.
My wide circle of fabulous friends. (It's a competition: mine are the best!)
My faith. My extended family. My home. My church.
Music. Dancing. Poetry. Cooking. Dark chocolate. Good wine. Making hearth for others. My work. Reading. Writing.
I am one fortunate woman!