Dr. Amy E. Keller is a Doctor of Psychology in Psychoanalysis and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a private practice in Pasadena, California and is the author of Get Real, Get Going: The Definitive Roadmap to Starting the Private Practice of your Dreams.
Dr. Amy stresses the importance of developing mindfulness practices that that train your body to go from “fight or flight” back to “rest and digest.” But let’s face it, in real life we don’t always get the chance to make that shift in real time. In this post, she explains the difference between stress and pressure and when it’s time to seek professional help.
A finely tuned elevator pitch is the cornerstone to successful networking. A great elevator pitch paints a picture of not only what you do, but also who you are. In this post, Dr. Amy offers tips to help you define and refine your own elevator pitch.
While it’s good to be busy, carrying a full load over the course of months can also be taxing and stressful. If we aren’t careful, we can “burn out,” and burnout, if not treated, can become depression, anxiety and distraction. In this article, Dr. Amy explains how to recognize burnout, what to do when you feel it, and how to prevent it in the first place.
The COVID-19 pandemic created a massive upheaval in our lives, and many people are still dealing with its effects. For single people, lockdowns and safety guidelines totally changed the way we date and pursue romantic relationships. While dating was not altogether put on hold, COVID restrictions meant an increased reliance on online dating and alternative methods of getting to know someone new. As more Americans are vaccinated and restrictions are loosened or lifted entirely, people are starting to meet up again for in-person dates. You may feel that it's too soon for you, and feel some hesitation about putting yourself back out there, which is perfectly normal. As you navigate these feelings, here is what to keep in mind about dating as we get closer to the light at the end of the tunnel.
Yes, you that you can make a living -- and a good one! -- as a private practitioner. There will be enough money and enough clients. In this blog, Dr. Amy recommends five practical actions you can take to get over your fears, grow your client base, and have a prosperous private practice.
It’s actually happening! You’ve rented your office and you’re getting ready to welcome your first patient! You’ve picked out some furniture, hung your diplomas, and added some art to the walls. You’ve probably ordered your pens and paper and other basics but are also a number of less obvious supplies that you might not yet have in your toolkit. Here are some of Dr. Amy’s recommendations for office essentials that you may not have thought of….
GetReal, GetGOING: The Definitive Roadmap to Starting the Private Practice of Your Dreams is finally here, and Dr. Amy is more than excited to introduce it to the world.
Once upon a time there was a young graduate student named Dr. Amy who was struggling with money. She found herself up to her eyeballs in debt from school, working for peanuts while getting her training hours for licensure, and all the while trying to figure out how to pay the rent on her crappy little apartment. Then one day little Dr. Amy discovered a very smart lady name Suze Orman and the rest is history….
acknowledges that there are times you have to beg, borrow and max out a credit card to get yourself on a professional track, and that it can be okay to invest in yourself and your career.
It’s time to THINK BIG, have a vision for something that is beyond what you have done before and that likely entails more than a few moving parts. Big-thought-projects tend not to happen in a day, they take longer, which means they demand not just inspiration and motivation, but the stamina to hang on. In this blog, Dr. Amy gives you the resources you need to hang on and achieve your big dreams.
You’re working hard towards your goals, but some nights really all you can do is collapse in front of the TV… What to do then? Dr. Amy suggests that you choose movies that motivate you and remind you that, even when the chips are down, dreams can come true!
My book, Get Real, Get Going: The Definitive Roadmap to Starting the Private Practice of your Dreams, is due out in a few weeks and I’m so excited! Whether you are just out of grad school, or have years of experience as a licensed clinician, help is on the way. The step-by-step plans, action items, and practical wisdom in Get Real, Get Going will help psychotherapists and other healing professionals build a thriving private practice in no time.
External validation feels good, but you shouldn’t be too dependent on it. In this post, Dr. Amy talks about external validation, how to tell if you rely on it too much, and how to find your own self-worth.
Dr. Amy revisits Karpman’s Triangle and offers an approach for transforming it into a healthier alternative.
Dr. Amy Keller answers that age-old question, Why does marriage feel like so much work? Using the work of Dr. David Schnarch, Dr. Amy explains the labor and rewards that come from a successful marriage.
Not only do kind acts they make the recipient feel good, science shows there are also benefits for the do-gooder and even people who simply witness kindness. In this blog, Dr. Amy explains how embracing kindness can make everyone feel better.
How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Maybe you’re on your own this year, or maybe you’re with a partner who feels differently about that day than you do? Or, maybe your valentine is not in the same quarantine bubble as you. Regardless of your situation, here’s Dr. Amy’s advice to help you get through the day!
We’ve all been caught in a big argument that started with something small. A simple word, tone, or minor transgression struck a nerve and you couldn’t resist striking back. That, my friends, is Shenpa, you’re triggered and are compelled to respond. In this article, Dr. Amy explains Shenpa and how to avoid getting hooked.
Escape the dreaded triangle! In this blog, Dr. Amy discusses ways to avoid being sucked into the emotional vortex known as “Karpman’s Triangle”. Bonus: this article includes an added special section featuring advice especially for therapists!
Avoid the dreaded drama triangle! “Karpman’s Triangle” consists of the three main roles that people can sometimes take on, and switch between, during high stress or emotional interactions. Read more to learn about this emotional rollercoaster.
Who here hasn’t occasionally felt overwhelmed and started drinking at noon out of a cereal bowl? People who have resilience manage to maintain a level of stability even in the face of chaos, while those who are less resilient may resort to less healthy coping mechanisms. In this blog, Dr. Amy gives you tips on how you can strengthen your own resilience.
