Amy Effman is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Hear her story in episode 95 of The Path to Authenticity. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges while staying focused on the present and the future, as we currently have no control of the past. She offers a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With signficant compassion and understanding, Amy works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to achieving. To learn more about Amy, visit mytherapistamy.com.

 

If your life were a novel, what would be the title?

Well, I would have to admit it would be a Choose Your Own Adventure book. I think I would have to name it The Eternal Optimist.  

 

Where were you born?

Hollywood, Florida

 

Where is the place you call home?

South Florida… Sunrise, Florida to be exact. This is where I grew up and spent my childhood, and my folks still live there in our childhood home. 

 

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Either an attorney defending abused kids or a therapist supporting neglected children and/or working with foster/adoption

 

What is your profession?

Psychotherapist/ Mental Health Professional 

What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt

Entrepeneur/ Real Estate 

 

What is your favorite quote?

Don’t sing it. Bring it!


What is your preferred form of creative expression?

Dancing


What is your favorite movie, song, and work of art?

Coming to America; Way too many songs to narrow it down to one.
Music and dance are my fave. 


Who do you admire most?

My parents by a landslide!! 

 

Over the course of your life, what is an issue with which you have repeatedly struggled?

My weight 

 

Who is your celebrity crush?

Come on… Not for me.  

 

What historical figure would you most like to meet? 

Well, first and foremost, I would love to have a conversation in person with G-d. If that was not available to me, I’d love to meet my grandfather, Aaron, who died on my birthday, one year before I was born. He was my mom’s father. 

 

What natural gift or ability would you most like to possess?

I wish I was a better singer

 

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

my career and the ability to guide others in their healing process

 

What quality do you admire most in a person? 

transparency and vulnerability 

 

What is something you would like to learn about?

Trauma-based modailites, expressive dance therapy and Buddhism

 

What do you wish more people knew about you?

How empathetic I am… perhaps better understand my level of compassion for others 

 

What is your idea of success?

Seeing others get better, healthy relationships, building and maintaining an amazing and supportive family 

 

What would you like people to say about you when you’re gone?

Probably that I had a contagious smile, loved life, and was the best daughter, sister, girlfriend, fiancé, wife, and mom I could be. Also, that I gave my all to serving others and always put myself last when those around me needed anything. 

 

Amy Effman is a Licensed Psychotherapist, certified in Addictions, specializing in Individual, Couples and Family therapy. She maintains a private practice in Boca Raton, Florida and has experience as a Clincal Director, Evening Program Supervisor and Family Services Supervior for various Holistic treatment centers in South Florida.

With over 10 years experience as an Addictions professional both in private and public treatment centers in New York City, San Diego and South Florida, Amy is currently serving as a Private Practitioner, working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of expertise are substance dependence, dual diagnosis (substance dependence coupled with a mental health disorder), major mental health issues (severe depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia), suicidal thoughts, separation/divorce, relationship problems, LGBT, and day-to-day life stress. 

In addition to being a prominent Addictions therapist, Amy Effman has also taught graduate level courses at Barry University, School of Social Work, and developed and taught courses for the CAP (Certified Addictions Professional) certification and BHT (Behavioral Health Technician) certification programs at Palm Healthcare. She was a presenter for the Happy Herald newspaper and developed both Family Support Workshops and an Intensive Outpatient Program for a holistic treatment center. Most recently, Amy Effman became Post Graduate faculty for Life University’s American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders, teaching medical professionals about Drug Court and Interventions. 

Prior to her work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, Amy worked alongside the Misdemeanor Drug Court in Broward County, as a Judicial Evaluator, Therapist and Drug Court Supervisor through The Starting Place. She currently serves Felony drug court participants and provides assessments for DUI programs. Amy Effman was also trained as a Guardian Ad Litem in 1999 when she advocated for abused and neglected children who could not advocate for themselves in Alachua County, Florida. It was this experience which led her into the helping industry and she later received training in Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention in 2000 before spending 3 years as a Career Development Advisor and Career Counselor for a post-secondary college in San Diego, California.