ABOUT
Amanda Villaveces, LMFT
Director, Mental Health Lou
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in Louisville, KY in private practice and online via telehealth.
Approach:
In practice I take a creative and holistic approach to each client. From my work I have learned that often our mental health symptoms manifest both mentally and physically. In treatment we will explore how your daily habits, past experiences, sleep, nutrition and exercise factor in to your mental health. By taking this thorough approach I have seen my clients make fast and sustaining changes in their lives. I often use Internal Family Systems and EMDR for trauma and anxiety and incorporate Mindfulness tools and Person Centered Therapy practices to help clients create sustainable change.
Who I work best with:
My specialty is working with high performers and creatives– students, creative professionals, lawyers, doctors, and businesspeople – who are highly intelligent and often can't slow down . Together we'll work to help you find balance and release old habits/behaviors that no longer serve you.
Insurance and Payment:
I accept: Humana, Aetna, Anthem and United plans as well as HSA/FSA cards.
Private pay sliding scale options are also available $85-125 per hour.
*GOOD FAITH ESTIMATES available prior to services.
Appointment information: amanda@amandavmft.com or 502-806-8816
Ellie Stigger,
CFT Graduate Intern
University of Louisville
I am an intern currently in my last year of working towards my M.S. in Couple and Family therapy through University of Louisville Kent school of Social Work.
Background:
In May of 2021, I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology at Transylvania University with a focus on the nature of mind and behavior. While going through this program, I really found my passion for helping others and learning about the diversity of the human experience. I revel in empowering others and helping them achieve a healthier state of mind.
Throughout my undergraduate experience, I volunteered at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, and worked with children in K-8th grade. This program provides youth with a safe space to learn and grow using character building skills, arts, sports, and leadership. This experience really sparked my interest in working with children and play therapy.
I also worked alongside Black Student Alliance (BSA) throughout my 4 years. This organization advocates for Black/African American students and is an ally to all underrepresented voices on Transy’s campus. BSA strives to eliminate social barriers while promoting opportunities to create change in the community.
I am so excited to join with my clients and how their emotions, and behaviors can drive growth and inspire change. I really want to put a focus on empathy and compassion for my clients.
Steven Phelps
CFT Graduate Intern
University of Louisville
I am intern here at Mental Health Lou. I am in the process of finishing my advanced year of a Master's program studying Couples and Family Therapy through UofL’s Kent School of Social Work.
Background
I graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2015 with degrees in Creatives Writing and Religions and Cultures of Asia. After graduating, I spent several years traveling, moving from states across America. I lived in several cities, from coast of Florida to the Bay in California and spent several months in Southeast Asia, visiting Thailand, Malaysia and Nepal.
Moving back to my hometown of Louisville, I hoped to plant roots in one city and begin my career as a therapist.
Deeply impacted by the civil unrest in my city during 2020, I began pursuing a career in social services. I spent almost a year as a Medical Coordinator and Youth Counselor at Boys and Girls Haven, a residential facility for at risk youth where my passion for providing trauma-informed care to disenfranchised people deepened even further. It is my mission to bring compassion and care to all people who suffer from oppression and struggle with their mental health. It is my personal philosophy that though we may be unable to choose the hand we are dealt in this life. peace of mind and a joy-filled life are attainable for everyone.
In the first year studying Couples and Family Therapy, I worked as Mental Health Practitioner intern at Iroquois High School, doing therapy with the students there. Over the summer, I worked as a Mental Health Support for staff at YMCA Camp Piomingo. Some of my passions are nature, art and traveling.
I am still exploring what therapeutic style fit me best! I find myself drawn towards CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy and mindfulness therapy practices.
I look forward to collaborating with my clients to find the best ways to create meaningful change in their lives, communicate more mindfully with others and navigate through the inevitably difficulties life will bring us.
VIDEOS
Below you'll find videos from myself and my colleagues on various mental health topics! Feel free to browse and learn!