Meet Mandi
Counselor
Mandi Amato, Child Therapist
Mandi is a compassionate and dedicated therapist focusing on supporting children’s emotional well-being. With extensive training in play therapy, child/parent therapy, mindfulness, and other specialized approaches, Mandi brings a comprehensive and tailored skill set to her practice. She is able to support children who struggle with friendships, academics, anxiety, sadness, and more.
Why Mandi became a therapist
The reason I became a therapist and love therapy is very dynamic. I have first-hand experience with overcoming childhood trauma through therapy and have this undeniable passion for helping children who have experienced the same. I believe in a non-confrontational approach through showing children love, care, and compassion to aid in their development. I hold a safe space for the children and meet them wherever they are in their journey. Children have so much to offer and often need help navigating big feelings and big life events. I love that intervening in a child’s life will directly change the positive development of that child.
As we are all human I have experienced many trials and tribulations of healing from my own trauma. Through the years and a lot of work, I have this innate desire to be the person for children that I needed as a child. I can meet them at a level of compassion that will help them feel scene and comfortable. I do believe that we live a life that happens for a reason and my life and experiences have led me into this role to be able to help kiddos in need and understand them from a level of extreme empathy and compassion for nurturing healthy child development.
Click the schedule consultation button to ask any questions you may have. I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your path to healing.
Cost & Location
Mandi’s rate is $120 per individual session for sessions that occur at or before 2pm and $150 for sessions that occur at or after 3pm. If you have insurance and want to utilize out-of-network benefits, Mandi will provide you with a Superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Mandi is not enrolled as a Medicaid provider.
Mandi works out of our Arvada and Lakewood locations.
Hours
Mandi works weekdays and has after school hours available.
Click the Schedule Consultation find a time to meet with her.
About Me:
I live in Lakewood CO with my husband of 12 years, our son, and our fur baby Rogue! When I am not spending time with my family and friends you can catch me making jewelry for my jewelry brand of 20 years Amanda Amato Jewelry. I absolutely love living in Colorado and all the activities around us that this state has to offer!
How Play Therapy Helps
At Tribe, we understand that healing comes in many forms, and for our youngest clients, play is their natural language. That’s why we specialize in play therapy, a powerful approach that harnesses the innate creativity and resilience of children to address emotional and behavioral challenges. Through the therapeutic power of play, we help children navigate their inner worlds, build coping skills, and cultivate a foundation for lifelong emotional wellbeing.
Why Play Therapy?
Play is the language of childhood, a universal mode of expression that transcends words. In the safe and nurturing environment of our play therapy sessions, children are free to explore, express, and process their thoughts and feelings through play. From imaginative storytelling to creative art projects, each activity is carefully designed to meet the unique needs of the child, fostering healing and growth along the way.
Benefits of Play Therapy
Play therapy provides children with a non-threatening outlet to express complex emotions that they may struggle to articulate verbally. Through play, they can explore their feelings of anger, sadness, fear, and joy in a supportive environment, gaining insight and understanding along the way.
Life is full of challenges, but with play therapy, children learn valuable coping skills to navigate the ups and downs with resilience. From problem-solving to emotional regulation, the therapeutic play process equips children with the tools they need to face life’s obstacles with confidence and courage.
Every child deserves to feel valued and worthy, and play therapy helps foster a strong sense of self-esteem and self-worth. Through positive reinforcement and encouragement, children learn to believe in themselves, embrace their strengths, and celebrate their unique qualities.
Healthy relationships are the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, and play therapy helps children develop essential social skills to navigate their interactions with peers, family members, and authority figures. By practicing empathy, communication, and cooperation in the context of play, children build stronger, more meaningful connections with others.
For children who have experienced trauma or adverse experiences, play therapy offers a gentle and effective path to healing. Through guided play activities, children can process their traumatic memories, reduce their emotional distress, and build resilience in the face of adversity.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
Talk to a Child Therapist
If your child is struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges, we’re here to help. Click the schedule consultation button and learn more about how play therapy can change your child’s life. We will support your child with healing, growth, and empowerment, one playful moment at a time.
Therapy for Children & Teens in Colorado
We understand the unique needs of young minds and provide tailored treatments that promote growth and emotional well-being. Our experienced child therapists are dedicated to creating a compassionate and engaging therapeutic environment for your child, utilizing a variety of techniques, including play and art therapy, to help them develop essential cognitive behavioral tools for a happier and healthier life.
Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development, and each child’s journey is distinct. Our therapists recognize this diversity and ensure that the treatment is specifically tailored to meet the individual behavior and developmental level of each child. For younger children, we integrate play, art, or other fun activities as a platform for learning and emotional expression. This approach allows children to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and non-threatening manner, fostering greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Preteens, tweens & teens, often facing unique challenges in their transitional phase, find comfort and support in our therapy sessions. Our therapists establish a strong rapport with these young individuals, helping them develop a sense of hopefulness as they acquire skills to manage their emotions and thoughts more effectively. With a focus on empowerment and growth, we aim to instill confidence in children, encouraging them to face life’s challenges with resilience and self-assurance.
For younger children, at the heart of our child therapy approach lies play therapy – a powerful method that honors a child’s unique developmental level and encourages self-expression through play. Play therapy enables children to communicate and process their emotions, thoughts, and struggles in a language that feels natural to them. It serves as a valuable tool in helping children better understand themselves, their experiences, and the world around them.
The benefits of play therapy are vast and versatile. Children struggling with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can benefit from the structured and interactive nature of play therapy, which helps improve attention span and impulse control. For those grappling with anxiety and depression, play therapy provides a safe space to explore and release pent-up emotions, building coping mechanisms to manage their emotional distress. Moreover, children who have experienced trauma find play therapy to be particularly effective in processing their experiences and facilitating healing.
Behavioral issues are common among children as they navigate their emotions and social interactions. Play therapy offers a platform for understanding and addressing these challenges by allowing children to explore and experiment with various behaviors in a supportive and therapeutic setting.
Divorce can be a significant life event for a child, causing confusion, sadness, and anxiety. Play therapy can help children cope with these complex emotions, providing an outlet for expression and helping them navigate through the changes in their family dynamics. Additionally, play therapy can assist children in developing and maintaining healthy friendships, building essential social skills that foster positive connections with peers.
Our commitment to creating a positive and compassionate therapeutic relationship is at the core of our practice. We understand the importance of trust and empathy in the therapeutic process, and we strive to build a safe space where your child feels understood, valued, and supported. Parental involvement is also highly encouraged, as we recognize the crucial role parents and caregivers play in a child’s development. In certain instances, therapists may invite parents and caregivers to participate in play therapy sessions. This interactive approach reinforces the idea that healing and growth are collaborative efforts involving both the child and their support system.
We believe that child therapy should be a positive experience. Our child therapists are not only professionally trained but also deeply passionate about helping children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. We celebrate the uniqueness of each child and work tirelessly to identify their strengths and address their challenges in a manner that suits their individuality. According to the CDC, Treating a child’s mental health problems as soon as possible can help children reduce problems at home, in school, and in forming friendships. It can also help with healthy development into adulthood.
If you’re seeking professional and compassionate child therapy services that prioritize your child’s well-being and growth, look no further. Our team is dedicated to supporting your child on their journey towards a brighter and more fulfilling future. Together, we can help your child develop the necessary tools to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and lead a happier, healthier life. Let us be part of your child’s transformative journey towards a brighter tomorrow.
The teen years are hard even in the best of situations. Teenagers face a combination of societal pressure, peer pressure, and academic pressure. Then, you add all of the changes they’re facing right now and everything going on in the world around them. At times, the stress can be debilitating.
In this new world of social media, technology, and social norms, it’s easy to feel lost in understanding the world teenagers are trying to navigate. Many times, teens have a whirlwind of emotions but just do not seem to know how to appropriately express them.
Your child is old enough to have their own thoughts, beliefs, and opinions. And yet, they still need you. They need you to provide guidance and support. They may want independence, but they’re not quite ready for it yet. Your teen is trying to create their own identity and figure out their place in the world. So, It’s no wonder so many teens experience stress, anxiety, and depression.
About Tribe Mental Health Therapists & Counselors
You Deserve to Feel Great. We’re Here to Help.
Tribe is a group practice of counselors and therapists that was formed to meet your needs. At any point in your life, whether you are a child or an adult, having outside support can help you to change your path and feel more in control of your life.
Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are the right fit for you.