Dr. Amanda Johns, LCSW

07/17/2025

This is SO REAL and is a breeding ground for shame. A question yu can ask yourself in these moments is - what am I avoiding/worried about/afraid of happening if I complete the task? Sometimes the answer is surprising, and sometimes it can give you insight into what you may need to do to support completing the task.

For me it’s really hard to finish paperwork. As weird as it might sound, most of the time I’m avoiding all of the little tasks that come AFTER it’s done. So, I give myself permission to wait to do those tasks and instead figure out a reward for myself that will feel good. Most of the times it’s watching whatever show I’m binging, playing a video game or taking a short nap. It’s not foolproof - but it works (most of the time 😉).

03/06/2025

Heart of Therapy, located in Doylestown, has an Adolescent Anxiety Group starting April 3rd for teens aged 14-17 who are struggling with anxiety. We strive to promote a space where people can feel safe enough to share their feelings and experiences. Contact Jamie@HeartofTherapy with any questions or to sign your teen up.

10/31/2024

Some of the therapists in the practice enjoyed having some fun dressing up today as characters from Inside Out.

🧠💖 Mental Health & Emotions: Lessons from Inside Out 🎬🌈

If you’ve seen Inside Out, you know how the movie brings to life our emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. But there’s so much more to it than cute characters; it’s an incredible reminder of the role that every emotion plays in our mental well-being.

We often think we “should” always be happy or “stay positive,” but Inside Out beautifully shows us that every emotion has a purpose. Sadness helps us process loss and connect with others, while Fear, Anxiety, Disgust, Envy, Ennui Embarrassment and Anger protect and motivate us in different ways. By accepting each emotion as part of our journey, we embrace a fuller, more resilient version of ourselves.

Next time you feel overwhelmed, remember: it’s okay to feel it all. Each emotion tells us something valuable, helping us to grow, understand, and heal. Embracing our feelings is one of the healthiest things we can do for our mental health.

10/31/2024

Joy: a feeling of great pleasure and happiness

This can be difficult to feel sometimes. Life can get really difficult. Pleasure and happiness can feel like things other people get to have. It’s important you seek support and help if you find yourselves missing out on this feeling a lot.

It is possible to find it, to connect with it and to experience it.

Today I found Joy in literally dressing up like Joy from the movie Inside Out. Yesterday I found it in a huge leaf laying on the ground.

Where have you found it, on the easy or difficult days?

10/28/2024

This is such an important concept to consider when working through trauma. For those who have experienced trauma there is a need to heal from what happened to you, and also a need to heal from what didn’t happen (safety, protection, emotionally available parents, etc).

It’s important to give yourself space to work through all of it.

10/13/2024

A non profit I’m a part of is having an event this Friday! Please share with locals who could benefit 🙂

We have an upcoming event! For more information and to sign up, go to https://autism-unplugged.org/upcoming-events

This event is free, and limited to 10 teens, so sign up before all of the spots are filled!

We can’t wait to see you there!

08/29/2024

This is way too realistic. Many individuals who receive diagnoses like Autism and ADHD experience this type of feedback from family, friends, employers, medical providers and the broader community. It can be incredibly dysregulating and invalidating when this happens. Just remember that you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.

I see you ❤️

08/11/2024

One thing I say in sessions, after sharing a connection I’m making, is “Does that make sense?” I don’t say it because I think my client is dumb or doesn’t understand the language I’m using. I say it because as soon as I speak, I am 100% sure that what just came out was pure gibberish 😂😂

06/01/2024

I mean its a really good defense mechanism….
🙋🏻‍♀️ 😂

06/01/2024

Ensure that the needs of LGBTQIA+ Pennsylvanians are met. If you are part of this community, let your voices be heard.

Ensure your healthcare needs are met by making providers aware that LGBTQIA+ Pennsylvanians are here.
Make your voice heard at: bit.ly/2024lgbtq
Puedes participar en español aquí: bit.ly/2024lgbtq_s

04/27/2024

We participated in the Bucks County Su***de Prevention Task Force walk for su***de awareness this morning.

Su***de is a difficult topic however it’s critical we continue to have open and honest conversations. Silence reinforces stigma.

You are not alone. If you need support, we are here.

03/31/2024

Today is Trans Day of Visibility. I’m proud to stand with my family, friends, clients and community, with those who are able to live authentically and those who don’t yet have the safety to do so.

You can learn more about the meaning, and find helpful resources at https://glaad.org/tdov/