Amanda Hood

Amanda Hood

MSW, LISW-CPS

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” – Nibo R Qubein

My commitment as a therapist is to work collaboratively with each client to help secure a comfortable and confidential space, where we can create real life changes through identifying the most cohesive and effective treatment strategies to address their own unique and individual needs. As we go through life, we often develop patterns, coping techniques and defense mechanisms to help navigate our own life circumstances. I seek to help clients recognize the strengths in the adaptive skills that they have already built, as well as to learn new tools and methods to address any patterns that no longer serve them well.

Life challenges can become so hectic at times that people often just don’t know what to do next. I have found that so many people these days report feeling overwhelmed, which can lead to feelings such as irritability, being frozen or just stuck. Because the physical symptoms that often accompany issues related to stress, anxiety or depression have not been generally discussed or really understood, so many people are left feeling isolated. One of the most important decisions in the therapeutic process is the choice to schedule the first appointment, allowing you to be able to take the time needed to learn new tools, resources and strategies that will help you on your path to healing and experiencing real life change.

Background:

I am a native of the Upstate of South Carolina and have a passion for not only working with people towards creating positive changes, but also through advocacy and working with our canine friends in need. As I seek to try to learn something new every day, I have found that the lessons learned from my experiences working with animals, such as dogs and horses, are truly invaluable.

Education:

• Coastal Carolina University, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
• University of South Carolina College of Social Work, Master of Social Work
• State of South Carolina LISW-CP approved Supervisor

Professional Experience:

I have been given opportunities to work in many diverse, yet specialized practice roles and settings prior to developing my own practice with Pettigru Counseling Associates, in 2008. These experiences include working in a specialized Child Sexual Abuse unit, within the Department of Social Services to ensure treatment and safety planning, as well as working in public mental health settings, providing therapy to children and adolescents. I have served as a liaison, working with families involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Social Services, Family Court and the school systems. I’ve had an opportunity to work with the National Health Service Corps, a federal program designed to provide treatment to teenagers and their families living in areas where there is a critical need for mental health providers.