Amanda Young, B. Comm, MSW
I have specialized in working with couples, parents, and families for nearly 15 years and am intensively trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) — a therapy that helps people regulate their emotions and better interact with others. I am also a certified Emotion Focused Therapist.
I am thrilled to be the first Canadian team member at The Center for DBT and Families, an international organization that trains and supervises therapists in using DBT with parents, families, and couples.
Before becoming a therapist, I had an earlier career in business, working for Microsoft in Asia, Australia, and the U.S.
My training and clinical experiences have included: Women's College Hospital, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and a year-long Fellowship in Family Therapy at SickKids Hospital's Centre for Community Health, as well as seven years in a private group psychology practice. More details of my clinical training can be found 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
I am the Canadian team member at The Center for DBT and Families, an international organization that specializes in training and supervising other therapists in the delivery of DBT to parents, families and couples.
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, The Be Center (private practice)
Intensive training in DBT with Parents, Couples and Families with Dr. Alan Fruzzetti, Center for DBT and Families, Boston, MA.
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.
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
Completed certification as an Emotion Focused Therapist under the supervision of Dr Les Greenberg and Dr Shari Geller.
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.