Let's Get to Know Amanda Kaliner, LPC!

An interview with Amanda Kaliner, LPC, by Melanie Froemke, LCSW, RPT-S, e-RYT200

At River Grove Therapy, we're absolutely loving having Amanda Kaliner, LPC on our team. She's resourceful, kind, intelligent, and (of course, as a therapist) personable. We took some time to get to know her better, and we'd love for you to get to know her, too!

Melanie: You're a Licensed Professional Counselor- Can you tell us What made you want to become a Therapist, and the path you've taken to get here?

Amanda: I have been extremely fortunate in knowing what I’ve wanted to do with my life from a very young age. I was in middle school when I decided that I wanted to be a therapist. I remember, I was having a rough week due to the epic social pressures that occur at that age, and I went to speak with my school’s guidance counselor. He told me, “What you’re struggling with today will not matter in 5 years, try not to worry about it so much.” 

That’s something that we hear very often, not only as children but as adults as well, the idea that something won’t matter in X amount of time, so it’s not worth agonizing over. While yes, that can certainly be a helpful perspective, my 12-year-old self thought at the time, why don’t my feelings right now matter, too? 

From then on, I realized that in my future I want to be someone that helps others in their nows, helps them heal wounds and process emotions and events that they are struggling with in their daily lives. 

When I went to college, I studied psychology. When I applied to graduate school, I picked a program that would allow me to obtain both my LPC license and my school certification. 

Melanie: What have you learned in your own experience that shapes you as a therapist?

Amanda: One of the most important lessons I have learned through my life is that people crave connection. I’ve always had an immense curiosity about others' lives and a genuine desire for their well-being. These are the bare bones of my work as a therapist. 

Melanie: Tell us about how your experience has helped guide who you love to work with.

Amanda: I love to work with middle-school aged children. When I tell others this, I often get either a shocked “why?!” Or a good-natured, “well, at least someone wants to! They need it!” 

I find the sessions with my middle-school aged clients to be my favorite. I have always said that middle schoolers know more than adults give them credit for, and are more perceptive than one might assume. They are at the age where they can have intelligent, reasonable conversations rooted in logic and understanding, and yet they still maintain so much of their child-like wonderment and creativity.     

Melanie: What do you love about being a therapist?

Amanda: There is very little that I don’t love about being a therapist. This job is a gift that keeps on giving. I love to talk to people, I love to learn about a life that is not my own, I love to stand outside of my own perspective. I love to learn as well, and I have never met a client who hasn’t taught me something new, that I would have never known if not for the connection I was able to foster with them. Lastly, I love to be a helper; I love to use my training and expertise to try my best to better someone’s circumstances and emotions.