Last updated on November 30, 2022
Dr. Amanda Craig, Ph.D., is a practicing therapist, author, and the founder of Manhattan Marriage and Family Therapy. We hope you enjoy this interview!
Coaching Focus: Dr. Craig is a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families. She is a frequent guest speaker and the author of the tween parenting book Who Are You & What Have You Done with My Kid? She is a wife, a mother of two, and a woman of faith.
Location: Darien, Connecticut, United States
Connect: You can find Dr. Craig online at her website, as well as on Instagram. More information about her practice, Manhattan Marriage and Family Therapy, is available at www.manhattanmft.com.
Tell us about your journey as a coach.
A native of Richfield, Minnesota, I have been practicing for more than 20 years. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings including research departments, juvenile correction facilities, high schools, Fortune 500 companies, substance abuse programs, university/college classrooms, and private practice.
In my tween years, I was sent to therapy as part of a juvenile diversion program. I found it so helpful in building my self-esteem, finding my voice, and getting reassurance that I mattered in the world. I realized that I wanted to help families and kids who were feeling stuck, sad, and disconnected. I found that talking about and gaining insight into my own feelings was a way to process adversities, heal from challenging experiences, and ultimately FEEL BETTER.
Many of my early life lessons centered around self-development and preservation, emotional awareness, and an understanding of the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
After several years of running a successful private group practice in NYC, in 2016 I decided to bring services to my hometown in CT where I continue to provide individual, couples, and family therapy. In addition to my practice, I work with parents, kids, and families through speaking events and tween pop-up workshops.
I realized that I wanted to help families and kids who were feeling stuck, sad, and disconnected.
I often say, “Your relationship is my client.” My work is centered around preventing relationships from drifting off track and repairing relationships that have. I start with understanding the places where your relationships are struggling and exploring the path to closeness, connection, and/or healing. Then I use a strengths-based and Emotional Focused Therapy lens.
What courses, programs, or certifications have you done?
I am an EFT-trained therapist. I also recently got trained in EMDR, and I am still learning more and more from that model.
I truly believe any increase in your methods and awareness of what helps people is a plus. I tend to stay in my niche but always love attending trainings.
What are your thoughts on “choosing a niche” as a coach?
Emotional connection is a major focus of my work, whether it be in personal sessions, group settings, or my writing. This is because when an emotional connection exists, a spark happens between two people. The spark is real. The light turns on. We feel alive. When this happens, we feel that someone gets us, likes us, understands us, accepts us, and will be there for us. We feel close, maybe even appreciated, and most certainly connected. This is where we want our relationships to be. My passion is showing you how to get there.
In the beginning of my career, I worked at different facilities and with different perspectives until I found the niche I started gravitating towards more and more with clients. Then I focused on becoming an expert in what I loved and truly believe helps people in therapy.
What are some of your favorite affirmations, mantras, quotes, or thoughts currently?
- My favorite moments are when I see a wave of relief in my patients, when the shoulders drop, the perspective shifts, and when I see the light begin to shine from within.
- We are not defined by our adversities, but by how we handle them.
- Taking healthy risks, setting boundaries, and stepping outside our comfort zone will bring fulfillment in life and relationships.
- Make the most of this day. Whatever that means to you, whatever you can do, no matter how small it seems.
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