Amanda Stienstra

Education

BA, Calvin University, Interdisciplinary Studies, 2003

MSW, University of Illinois at Chicago, Social Work, 2009

MA, Western Theological Seminary, Christian Studies, 2020

Biography

Although I went off to college planning to become an elementary school teacher, I came away with a growing interest in the areas of social work, theology, and mental health. I enjoy learning about human behavior, how our environment shapes us, as well as the importance of a healthy spiritual life. This interest first led me to UIC – Jane Addams College of Social Work. My relationships with fellow students from diverse backgrounds as well as my internship experiences in the city of Chicago were life-changing and confirmed my love for the field of social work.

My interest in theology and mental health led me to Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. During my time at seminary, I was able to combine my interest in social work with reformed theology and pastoral care. I count it as a gift to be able to walk alongside someone on their journey of healing and growth, just as others have walked alongside me. I am always in awe of the strength, vulnerability, creativity, and resilience God has given to each of us as we uncover more of our story and live more fully into who God has created us to be.

I enjoy being active, listening to an interesting podcast, watching a documentary, or diving into one of the many books I usually have on the go. Baking something sweet to share and taking time to write are both creative outlets for me. Spending quality time with my husband and children is always something I am deeply thankful for. I also enjoy connecting with friends over a good cup of coffee. Our family has been blessed through refugee foster care and I am so thankful for the times that we can get together, share a meal, and reconnect. Having a large and truly diverse extended family has taught me the immense value of both diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life, both personally and professionally.

Professional experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have experience working with children, adolescents, college students, and families. I have done home-based and outpatient counseling, worked in child welfare with foster and adoptive families, worked for a church plant, as well as at Calvin as a lab instructor for the Helping Interview class. I am driven by the desire to learn how we can best care for ourselves and one another in order to live meaningful lives marked by justice, compassion, and love. Some specific areas of experience and interest include addressing anxiety and depression, early childhood trauma, family relationships, foster care and adoption, grief and loss, spiritual questions/concerns, and life transitions.

During my time in seminary, I was able to study trauma from a faith perspective and what it means to live with the reality of suffering while still living a meaningful, values-based and fulfilling life by the grace of God. Contemplative practices, as well as the integration of evidenced-based mental health practices with reformed theology were areas of study and particular interest during my time at seminary.

My approach to therapy is always strength-based and influenced by a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. I also have a growing interest in Somatic Therapy practices and how understanding the mind-body connection can influence our approach to healing and growth.

Academic interests

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Attachment and Family Systems
• Christian Contemplative Tradition
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Cultural Humility
• Early Childhood Adversity
• Foster Care and Adoption
• Grief and Loss
• Gender and Sexuality
• Interpersonal Neurobiology
• Nutrition and Mental Health
• Social Justice
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
• Somatic Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Theology and Mental Health
• Traumatic Stress