Amanda Young, B. Comm, MSW
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.
As a therapist, I especially enjoy working with parents, couples, and families. I’ve also received specialized training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a proven approach that helps people better manage their emotions and feel more empowered in their lives. I’ve been fortunate to work as a therapist for nearly 15 years, and my goal is for you to feel understood and accepted. At the same time, I like to gently encourage small, meaningful steps that can lead to positive changes in your life.
I’m committed to continuous growth and learning. Since finishing graduate school, I’ve pursued ongoing training and supervision each year to stay current in my skills. I value the insights of other psychologists and social workers, and I welcome their feedback to improve my practice.
Before becoming a therapist, I had an earlier career in business, working for Microsoft in Asia, Australia, and the U.S. I bring that corporate experience together with behavioral psychology insights to enrich my work as an executive coach.
If you are a referring therapist looking for more information about my training, please see below.
On A More Personal Note….
I’m originally from Vancouver and have called Toronto home for the past 25 years, where I’ve been raising my family. When my children were little, I was a stay-at-home mom, and later I returned to the University of Toronto to earn my Master’s of Social Work.
My young adult children truly are the coolest people I know, and I’m grateful that they kindly tolerate their mom when she gets too “therapisty”. My husband and I met while living abroad, and we still love traveling whenever we have the chance. These days, one of my favorite mindful activities is going to the symphony with him—no phones allowed for two peaceful hours.
I also have a genuine passion for gardening—an addiction I’m trying to keep in check.
My Clinical Training & Education
Training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Completed comprehensive training in DBT Certificate Program, University of Toronto, with Dr. Shelley McMain, Ph.D., University of Toronto.
Supervised by Dr Shelley McMain, Ph.D. for 7 years. Dr. McMain is also Clinic Head of the Borderline Personality Clinic at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Intensive training in DBT with Parents, Couples and Families with Dr. Alan Fruzzetti, Center for DBT and Families, Boston, MA.
On-going case collaboration since 2022 with Dr. Alan Fruzzetti, Harvard Medical School, University of Nevada
Member of DBT for Couples Supervision Group led by Dr. Luciana Payne, Harvard Medical School
Introductory and advanced training in providing DBT for Complex PTSD with Dr Martin Bohus, University of Heidelberg, German.
Year-long supervision group for DBT-PTSD, under the direction of Candace Eddy, LCSW, at Maclean Hospital, Boston, MA.
DBT Skills Group for DBT therapists (weekly for 8 months) led by Dr. Kate Comtois and Dr. Adam Carmel, University of Washington.
DBT Skills with Multi-Problem Adolescents with Dr. Alec Miller
DBT-ACES training with Dr. Kate Comtois, University of Washington
Training in Emotion-Focused Therapy
Member of EFT group supervision with Dr. Les Greenberg since 2022. Dr Greenberg created and co-developed Emotion Focused Therapy.
EFT training Levels 1-3 with Dr. Les Greenberg, Dr. Shari Geller and Dr. Serine Warwar
Emotion Focused Therapy For Couples with Dr. Les Greenberg
Emotion Focused Therapy for Complex Relational Trauma with Dr. Sandra Paivio
Education
MSW Fellowship in Family Therapy (1 year) Sick Kids Community Health (2013-2014).
Masters of Social Work (Mental Health Specialization) 2010-2012, University of Toronto, ON.
B. Comm, Queen's University 1990.
Free Initial Phone Consultation
I offer a 15 minute phone call for prospective clients to determine if I am the best fit for them. You are also welcome to ask any questions you may have.