Fun Facts About Me

Amanda Leigh, MA Psychology

In 2023, I received a master’s degree in psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) where I focused on spiritual counseling and end-of-life support. During my time at CIIS, I was enchanted by the spiritual wisdom path of Hermeticism, a lived and embodied philosophy originating in ancient Egypt. Gnosticism, alchemy, astrology, dream-studies, herbalism, storytelling, magic, and ritual are all aspects of Hermeticism. I realized that my earth-based spirituality is deeply steeped in Hermeticism and to my delight as an herbalist, I learned that herbal medicine making such as creating tinctures is considered a form of alchemy. Furthermore, it was fascinating to learn how much of Jung’s philosophy was inspired by Hermetic/Gnostic concepts. His work in depth psychology with individuation, active imagination, mandalas, and synchronicity can all be traced back to these ancient teachings. Hermeticism as a spiritual wisdom path understands the importance of honoring both our internal and external landscapes, as within; so without, as above; so below. Hermeticism has not only fueled Jungian depth psychology and Gnosticism but also terra-psychology, eastern mystical traditions, and Earth-based/Indigenous/Shamanic perspectives. These worldly influences provide the bones of my spirituality and inspire my counseling services.

I also hold a certificate in psychedelic integration coaching from the Plant Spirit School, hosted by Entheonation. I was inspired to deepen my understanding within this realm because I held a position for about three years as an apprentice within an ayahuasca community. Within the healing landscape, I witnessed misuse of power, spiritual emergencies & bypassing, as well as other situations that caused harm to folks who were looking for healing. This experience provided me with a unique perspective and created a fervor within me to approach psychedelic use in a safe, ethical, and trauma-informed way. 

My intention is to offer a counseling practice that encourages integrity, boundaries, humility, humor, self-awareness, and kindness. Through honoring both the light and dark of our existence, we can step into our wholeness and we become integrated beings. I firmly believe that being invited into one’s inner landscape is a sacred honor, and if invited I vow to move forth with reverence for the opportunity to guide and witness such depth and growth.

In addition to being a psychologist, I am also a mycologist, herbalist, storyteller, ritualist, yoga instructor, and consultant. My greatest achievement of all has been becoming a mother at 40 years old. My son is my greatest joy and such a humbling teacher! I feel blessed to have entered motherhood later in life and look forward to continued growth and learning with my boy and his dad. We recently moved to upstate New York, from the Bay Area of California. I am grateful to have the opportunity to raise my son in the magical land of waterfalls where I grew up.