Amanda Thornton

In 2007, I received a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Psychology, Speech Communication, Criminal Justice) from the University of Texas at Tyler. After several years of working with outreach ministries and teaching at the collegiate level, I sensed God's call to return to school for licensure in counseling. I received a second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2020. My clinical training includes intensive case management with the TCOOMMI division (Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments) through the Andrews Center Behavioral Healthcare System, serving clients with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders.

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In my free time, I enjoy singing, cooking, watching movies, spending quality time with family/friends, prayer walking, and teaching at Tyler Junior College. I've been happily married for 15 years and have three children.

MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS / TRAINING

• American Counseling Association

• National Board for Certified Counselors

• Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders (COPSD) Training

• COPSD Group Facilitator

• Training - Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory with Stephen Porges, PhD: Trauma, Attachment, Self-Regulation & Emotions

• Training - Polyvagal Theory Informed Trauma Assessment and Interventions: An Autonomic Roadmap to Safety, Connection and Healing

• Basic Principles of Somatic Experiencing® Training

• Mental Health First Aid Certificate

• Texas Adult Needs Strengths Assessment (ANSA) Training

• Certified Trainer for Bridges Out of Poverty Workshops, Aha Process®

• Certified Site Coordinator (Level I and Level II) – Christian Women’s Job Corps®

• Board of Directors – Christian Women’s Job Corps®, 2014-2017

• Board Chair – Christian Women’s Job Corps®, 2015-2017

• Award for Outstanding Community Woman - (Mississippi State University) President’s Commission on the Status of Women, 2012

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As a mental health professional, I've had experience working with: 

• ADHD

• Alcohol Abuse

• Anger Management

• Anxiety

• Behavioral Issues

• Biblical Approaches

• Bipolar Disorder

• Borderline Personality (BPD)

• Boundary Setting

• Career Counseling

• Christian Counseling 

• Chronic Impulsivity

• Chronic Relapse

• Codependency

• Coping Skills

• Couples' Counseling

• Depression

• Divorce

• Dual Diagnosis

• Emotional Disturbance

• Family Conflict

• Impulse Control Disorders

• Individuals impacted by Incarceration

• Infidelity 

• Infertility

• Internet Addiction

• Life Transitions

• Marital and Premarital Counseling

• Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

• Parenting

• Parole/Probation

• Peer Relationships

• Relationship Issues

• Religious Trauma

• Sex/Pornography Addiction 

• Spiritual Distress

• Stress

• Substance Abuse

• Suicidal Ideation

• Thinking Disorders

• Trauma and PTSD

• Women's Issues