Conversations with Amanda Jacobson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Jacobson. 

Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The story of how I got here is kind of like the pathway to healing: lots of detours, speed bumps, moments of self-doubt as well as personal enlightenment. I started out in undergrad in pre-law, or the exact name of Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, with a minor in Spanish language. After graduating I realized that being a counselor of the law was not a good fit, so I explored my world as a 22-year-old going back to square one and figuring things out. I tried out a handful of different workplaces while getting a feel for different avenues that were unfamiliar to me and certainly challenged me to grow. During this time, I ended up meeting my future husband through mutual Michigan State friends (Go Green!) and moved to Grand Rapids, on the other side of the state from my hometown. Through some self-study and exploration, I discovered the world of mental health counseling, enrolled in a program through Western Michigan University, and ended up excelling in this field with passion and excitement. I then gained experience in the nonprofit and agency sector, working with folks in recovery from substance use, helping mothers reunite with their children in foster care, and now building my own private practice where I can work with clients and utilize tools like mindfulness, yoga, and other holistic health practices. It’s a scary and exciting place to be, but I know I’m on the right path as this has been my career goal since finding this role as my profession and calling. This year, A Conscious Journey was born. That phrase is a big part of my belief in therapy– embarking on a conscious journey of healing, self-awareness, and desired change. It’s hard but also rewarding work, for the client and myself. Knowing that I can help others make up make an affective impact in their own lives fills my cup and inspires me to keep moving forward with my own goals.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The irony of this question makes me chuckle since there is literally a trail or road within my logo. My path certainly had its twists and turns, as do most that require growth and healing. But this, too, is part of the journey–I definitely believe that experience is the best teacher. I really had to figure out what was important to me, what I was excited about, and what I was naturally good at. That took some time, several years to be exact, but I wouldn’t change it for anything as it got me to where I am right now. Looking back at the barriers and uphill battles I faced, these instances only made me stronger and more resilient to the inevitable ups and downs of life. I have been learning to trust the process and believe that the energy I put out into the world will come back to me (and has so far).

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and registered yoga teacher, my theoretical approach is strengths-based and maintains the belief that individuals are the best experts of their own truth. I encourage my clients to communicate their insights on improving their lives while providing empathy, warm approachability, and an open-minded space. I believe that counseling is experiential and that clients will gain self-awareness and understanding through therapeutic work and practice. My role as a counselor is to provide guidance and support alongside one’s journey of healing and self-discovery. There are many ‘quick fixes’ in the world that usually come with a lot of baggage, so I like to go back to basics and seek natural and holistic ways to heal, that are sustainable and are accessible to us at any time. The mind-body spirit connection of yoga, as well as evidence-based modalities, are also very important to me to support overall healing and empowerment.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see the mental health industry becoming more accessible, more inclusive, and less label-based. As people from most generations become more accepting and tolerant of each other, we can reduce the stigma and shame that people have around seeking and accepting help. I find it helpful to validate the human experience as a vast and visceral experience that comes with many different emotions, sensations, and thoughts. If we understand the value taking care of our minds as much as we take care of our bodies, we can help reduce the heaviness of chronic symptoms like anxiety, depression, trauma, dysfunction, and stress. Many of these challenges are part of the typical, modern-day human experience, but it doesn’t have to be like that. We have options; we can seek the answers within. I believe it is possible cultivate a peaceful place amidst everything else, individually and collectively, by embarking on a conscious journey and coming home to ourselves each and every day.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.aconsciousjourneygr.com
• Instagram: @aconsciousjourneygr
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/aconsciousjourneygr

Image Credits
New Earth Photo
Natalie Marie Photography