Sparkle Mental Health Counseling & Wellness
Sparkle Mental Health Counseling & Wellness
Welcome to Sparkle Mental Health Counseling & Wellness
(DBA established, PLLC pending)
Our goal is to provide a warm and relational space where clients can nurture their emotional well-through playfulness, attunement, and the power of being with another..in presence, in energy, and in healing.
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"The Wound is the Place Where the Light Enters You" - Rumi
Meet Amy
​Welcome to my page! I'm so glad you've stopped by. I describe myself as warm, attentive, playful, and a forever learner, always eager to grow personally and professionally. With a sparkly personality and an empathetic heart, I'm here to join you and your family on this journey, walking alongside you and your family as we recognize your infinite goodness. Together, we create a space where you feel seen and heard, fostering connection and understanding. Let's embark on this adventure together!
Areas of Speciality
In my practice, I specialize in fostering connection and understanding the profound impact of interpersonal relationships. My emphasizes the importance of being present with others, recognizing that true power lies in our ability to connect authentically. By exploring various methodologies rooted in the science of connection, I aim to empower individuals and groups to strengthen their bonds and enhance their collaborative efforts. Together, we can unlock the potential that comes from meaningful engagement and shared experiences.
Play Therapy
I utilize an integrative style of play therapy, in which I blend both non-directive and directive approaches to create a flexible and responsive counseling setting for children and teens. By focusing on attunement and presence, I ensure that each session is tailored to the unique needs of the child and teen. Drawing from a diverse range of play therapy treatments I am trained in, I aim to foster a supportive space where children and teens can express themselves freely and explore their emotions through play. This holistic approach enhances a child's therapeutic experience, increases interoceptive awareness and promotes meaningful growth and connection.
Interpersonal Neurobiology and Polyvagal Theory Informed
​Interpersonal neurobiology, introduced by Dr. Dan Siegel, emphasizes the importance of relationships and the brain's capacity for change through social connections. This theory informs my work with children and adults by highlighting how nurturing interactions can promote emotional and cognitive development. Similarly, polyvagal theory, introduced by Dr. Stephen Porges, focuses on the role of the autonomic nervous system in emotional regulation and social engagement. By integrating these concepts, I focus on creating a supportive counseling environment that fosters resilience, connection, and healing for individuals at all stages of life.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy for both children, teens, and adults focuses on recognizing the effects of traumatic experiences with a compassionate lens and understanding.
By asking "what happened to you" rather than "what is wrong with you," I aim to create a safe environment conducive to healing. My approach includes assessing for attachment disruptions and providing space for children, teens, and adults to identify and address their wounds. With training in methods such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Child-Parent Psychotherapy, I am dedicated to supporting recovery and fostering resilience in both children and adults. I am trained in EMDR by an EMDIRA-approved provider and have also completed training that combines play therapy with EMDR. During play, neural networks become more engaged, creating opportunities for more adaptive information to be integrated into those networks.
Anxiety & Depression
In my practice, I support children, teens, and adults to identify the aspects of their lives where they feel stuck. I assist them in tackling negative core beliefs and reprocessing unhelpful thoughts that interfere with their functioning. By integrating the advancements in neuroscience, as well as utilizing evidence based treatments, I strive to empower both children and adults to manage overwhelming emotions and work to be the boss of their brain.
Relational Challenges
I support children, teens, families, and adults who are facing challenges in their relationships. Whether it's family dynamics, parent-child issues, or troubles in a social relationship, I understand that relationships go through both difficult times and healing moments, and I focus on supporting clients in establishing safety and flexibility in their connections. relationships.
Grief & Loss
I have extensive experience in supporting individuals through the complex emotions of loss. I recognize that there is no 'right' way to grieve. Whether you are navigating the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another significant loss, my approach is rooted in presence, understanding, and empathy. I honor the pain of disenfranchised grief, ensuring that every experience is acknowledged and validated in the safety of therapy. Together, we will focus on moving forward, taking a step at time , as you are ready.
Services
As a clinical social worker, parent coach, and consultant, I offer a diverse range of services to support children, teens, families, and adults.
Mental Health Counseling
At our counseling practice, we offer both individual and family counseling services tailored to meet your unique needs. During the intake session, we will discuss specific goals and develop a personalized plan that ensures the best use of your time, financial resources, and commitment. For children, we emphasize the importance of including and caretakers in the counseling process, as appropriate and with the child's consent Our experience shows that active parental involvement greatly enhances the effectiveness of the counseling experience.
Parent Coaching
In my role as a parent coach, I am here to support families in navigating the challenges of parenting. After completing the year-long parent-coaching immersion program, Being With, under the guidance of Robyn Gobbell, I have acquired valuable insights and tools. I am licensed to teach Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors: A Course for Parents, which I have seamlessly integrated into my coaching practice. Together, we will explore how behavior serves as a clue to what’s happening both externally and internally, emphasizing the importance of connection for healthy development, and fostering an environment where regulated, connected kids safe and behave well.
Consultation and Supervision
I provide consultation services to schools and various organizations, specializing in psychoeducation across a range of topics. I have experience in providing trainings, as well as providing consultation to teachers in a previous role.
If you're seeking supervision, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and have over 15 years of experience in different areas of practice with children, teens, and adults. My areas of specialty are play therapy and EMDR, among other areas.
Parent Coaching vs. Parent Counseling
Parent coaching and parent counseling serve different purposes.
Parent coaching is focused on providing guidance and support for current parenting challenges, helping you practical strategies to enhance your skills in real-time. In contrast, parent counseling delves deeper into your past experiences and emotional struggles, allowing you to process and understand how factors impact your present parenting. While coaching offers immediate tools and support, counseling aims to uncover and work through underlying issues for long-term growth. Both parent coaching and parent counseling have value.
In parent coaching we do not diagnose, therefore; we cannot provide a superbill for insurance reimbursement. We can discuss both options if you are deciding what makes most sense for you and your family needs, and together make a decision that makes most sense for you and your unique situation.
Are you a parent of a child with a vulnerable nervous system and big baffling behaviors?
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Does Your Child Struggle With...
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Hitting and aggressive behavior? Some awful words being spoken?
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Depression, anxiety, sleeping, negative thoughts toward self?
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Defiant behavior and talking back when told to do something or not do something and having major meltdowns?
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​ YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
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I am here to help! After completing a year-long
parent-coaching immersion program, Being With,
under the supervision of Robyn Gobbel
(https://robyngobbel.com/), I am ready to meet you
with attunement, presence, curiosity, and
understanding, just as you will grow your own owl
brain to do the same with your children.
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​Find Out What Your Child’s Behavior REALLY Is And How To Change It.
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Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors: A Course for Parents is based on the science of being relationally, socially, and behaviorally human. This course will help your child’s behavior make sense- even the ones that don’t. You’ll become equipped with interventions, tools, and techniques that actually work! And in this no-shame, no-blame approach to parenting, you’ll finally understand why knowing is only half the battle. Using a trauma and adoption informed lens, we will delve into how your and your child’s brain and nervous system work, why your child gets dysregulated, and why we as parents do as well. The course is strategically designed so you don’t just learn a bunch of parenting tools and techniques. And most importantly you will learn how to stay connected to your child when they need you the most. By the end, you’ll actually be able to implement the powerful techniques you’ll learn.
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This 12-week online course is created by Robyn Gobbel, LLC and is based on the USA Best Selling book by the same name, Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors.
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This course will benefit all parents of children with vulnerable nervous systems, including children with a history of trauma and toxic stress, as well as children who are neurodivergent, gifted, have sensory processing differences, or neuroimmune disorders.
Three Core Tenants of Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors: Parent Course
1. Behavior is Just A Clue
2. We All Need Connection To Survive
3. Kids Who Feel Safe Behave Well
If your child behaves in a way that makes us not want to be connected to them, we can pause and ask, “What’s up with that?”
It’s what we see on the outside that gives us some information about what might be happening on the inside.
To change children’s behaviors, we will look for ways to increase regulation, connection, and felt-safety. one of your services
Our Space (and all those toys)
Our office is a centrally located space in Manlius, NY, right across from the Swan Pond. I offer two comfortable areas tailored to your needs, ensuring that both you and/or your child feel at ease in the space you choose.. Your physical and sensory comfort is a top priority. Below, you can explore photos of our play therapy room along with my office, which has minimal toys for a focused environment.
Financial
Affiliate of Paths to Recovery Mental Health Counseling, PLLC
I am an out network provider, which means I am not set up to directly accept insurance. I am an affiliate of Paths to Recovery Mental Health Counseling, PLLC (PTR; https://ptrcounseling.com/). Through this partnership, PTR provides complimentary out-of-network billing services for clients in which superbills are automatically submitted to your insurance company. When you reach out to set up an intake, the knowledgeable staff at PTR will assist you with the setup and will guide you through out of network billing with clear and concise explanations.
Good Faith Estimate
A good faith estimate for medical bills is a written estimate that outlines the expected costs for medical services before they are provided. This estimate helps patients understand their potential financial obligations, including the costs of procedures, tests, and consultations. Healthcare providers are required to provide this estimate when requested, especially for non-emergency services, and it should include details such as the services to be performed, charges, and any insurance coverage considerations. This transparency allows patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare options.
Fees
The current fees for Amy Mack, LCSW, RPT are:
Intake Session: $250 per session
Subsequent Sessions: $175 per session
Reduced fee spots are limited, and we will offer them, as we are able to. We want to ensure that everyone has access to mental health services, and as such, PTR will work with you to get connected to the care you are looking for, whether with PTR, myself, or another mental health provider. PTR does not compromise mental health with a waiting list. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
"Stop Acting So Small. You Are the Universe in Ecstatic Motion" - Rumi