Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Thooft.
Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by human connection, the invisible patterns that shape how we relate, communicate, and thrive together. This fascination naturally led me to social work, where I could turn curiosity into action, helping people navigate life’s challenges with insight and skill.
Over the years, I’ve focused my work on relationships, platonic, familial, and romantic, helping clients disrupt patterns that hold them back. I guide people in identifying the dynamics that limit connection, building confidence, and cultivating relationships that feel authentic and fulfilling.
With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in social work from the University of St. Thomas and years of clinical experience, I founded my private practice, Authentic Living Therapy, to provide a space where people can transform their relationships and gain the clarity and tools to live fully.
For me, being a therapist is about more than supporting someone through a challenge, it’s about helping people rewrite the relational narratives that shape their lives, creating deeper connection, stronger boundaries, and a sense of self that feels unapologetically real.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building my own private practice has been a journey of dedication, perseverance, and constant learning. From navigating the logistics of starting a business to establishing a client base and balancing the administrative demands with the clinical work I love, the process has never been easy. There were moments of uncertainty, self-doubt, and setbacks that could have derailed my plans, but each challenge became an opportunity to refine my approach and clarify my mission.
Even now, my practice continues to be a work in progress. I’m always learning, adjusting, and seeking new ways to serve my clients more effectively. Balancing growth, client care, and the evolving demands of running a practice requires ongoing effort, reflection, and resilience.
Through it all, I’ve learned that building a private practice isn’t just about logistics or business skills, it’s about showing up consistently, trusting your expertise, and embracing the process, including the messiness. Today, my practice is a space where clients explore themselves, disrupt unhelpful patterns, and cultivate deeper confidence and connection—and it stands as a testament not only to the work I do with others but to the persistence, learning, and growth that continue to shape me.
As you know, we’re big fans of Authentic Living Therapy . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Authentic Living Therapy, I believe growth happens in the context of authentic, supportive relationships. I specialize in providing therapy for individuals seeking healing and connection, as well as clinical supervision for social workers pursuing licensure. With over 20 years of experience in the field, I am known for blending deep clinical expertise with a warm, down-to-earth approach.
I help adults, both individuals and couples, break free from painful relationship patterns and build healthier connections with confidence and clear boundaries.
What sets me apart is the way I integrate professional excellence with real-life authenticity. I don’t just focus on “checking boxes,” I help clients and supervisees build meaningful skills and confidence that last beyond the office. My brand is rooted in authenticity, compassion, and empowerment, values that guide everything I do.
I am most proud of the trust I have built with clients and supervisees who share that they feel truly seen, supported, and challenged to grow. Whether it’s walking with someone through life’s difficulties or mentoring a new social worker as they prepare for licensure, I approach every relationship with care and dedication.
I want readers to know that at Authentic Living Therapy I offer both therapy and supervision services:
Therapy: A safe space to navigate challenges, explore patterns, and build healthier relationships.
Supervision for Licensure: Individual and group supervision informed by my ongoing doctoral research on clinical supervision.
My work continues to evolve, but my mission remains the same: to help people live and lead authentically, both personally and professionally.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is people living their most authentic lives. I believe when individuals are free to show up as their truest selves, with confidence, clarity, and healthy boundaries, it not only transforms their own well-being but also contributes to the betterment of all people. Authentic living creates a ripple effect: when one person grows, heals, and thrives, it strengthens relationships, families, and communities. That commitment to authenticity and collective growth is at the heart of everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://authentic-living-therapy.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-thooft-31982160/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1425719
