Amanda Fetter-Matthys, LPC

03/04/2026

For those who may not know me well, I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

I work full-time as a professional school counselor and also maintain a small private practice.

I recently completed EMDR training, and I’ve seen meaningful progress with my private practice clients as a result.

Because of these outcomes, I’ve been intentional about integrating appropriate EMDR-informed strategies into my work with students.

While the full EMDR protocol isn’t appropriate for a school counseling setting, the self-regulation skills taught in Phase Two are highly applicable in schools.

As school counselors, we regularly teach emotional regulation strategies — and these tools align beautifully with that work.

Recently, I had the opportunity to present to counselors in my district about ways to incorporate Phase Two EMDR strategies into their work with students.

I’ve included a few of those slides with links to resources below.

Check out this Presentation designed by Amanda Matthys.

02/27/2026

Yay! I’ve completed the initial training and supervision for EMDR.

02/07/2026

01/26/2026

Proud to be a member of the American School Counselor Association…
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FMLL6Kkje/?mibextid=wwXIfrk

ASCA condemns immigration enforcement practices that compromise the safety, stability and well-being of students, families and school communities. Read the full statement here:https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/7fca4ded-642f-40c9-9691-1da58d59ac90/ASCA-Statement-on-Escalating-ICE-Enforcement.pdf

01/22/2026

In recent weeks, I’ve found myself feeling overwhelmed by the news. The world feels less and less safe for people in my community, and for many of those I support and their families—and for good reason. So much is happening all at once that it can be hard to know what to say, what to do, or even where to begin.

I keep coming back to a quote from Mr. Rogers: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

So, I’ve decided to look for the helpers. I’m going to do my best to seek out and share stories of people who are showing up—bringing light, care, and hope into what can sometimes feel like an increasingly dystopian world.

This week, I want to share a story about a band in Minneapolis called Brass Solidarity. They show up at protests to stand in solidarity with demonstrators, while also lifting spirits, raising energy, and easing tension. It’s a powerful reminder of what music can do.

If you need a pick-me-up, take moment to check out NPR’s Morning Edition story about them.

Brass Solidarity is a Minneapolis community band that was formed after George Floyd was killed. Now, they're playing at protests against ICE, in an effort to bring joy and break potential tension.

09/29/2025

I spent this weekend at my first weekend of EMDR training through Compassion Works. It was pretty incredible and I’m excited to start offering it to my clients. If you’re curious about EMDR therapy and want to learn more, click on the link below. If you’re interested in starting this EMDR journey with me, reach out!

EMDR therapy is an extensively researched method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences.

06/05/2024

03/13/2024

Enchanted Rock taught me a valuable life lesson today. As my family and I embarked on the climb to the summit, I faced a daunting challenge that almost made me turn back. As you can see in this great photo of Jen, I was almost there, but the steep incline ahead seemed insurmountable, triggering a surge of panic within me. My heart raced, palms grew clammy, and I felt paralyzed by fear. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, I made a pivotal decision: to confront my fear head-on.

Surveying my surroundings, I discovered a slightly less treacherous path just a few steps away. Despite the lingering sense of panic, I resolved to take the next step, and then the one after that. With each deliberate move, I edged closer to the summit until finally, I stood at the peak, surrounded by breathtaking vistas. I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of accomplishment, grateful that I hadn't succumbed to doubt and uncertainty.

Isn’t life a lot like that? There are moments when we feel overwhelmed, trapped between the desire to move forward and the fear of the unknown. But if we can muster the courage to stay present, assess our path and available resources, and focus on taking one step at a time, we can navigate through life's challenges and continue to grow.

02/27/2024

Did you know that spending time outdoors has cognitive benefits and can significantly improve your mental health? Many of us spend the majority of our days indoors, overlooking the advantages of being outside in nature. How do you incorporate outdoor time into your daily routine? What specific actions can you take this week to prioritize spending more time outdoors?

Exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.