Amanda Ferguson, MSW, LCSW

About Me

Hi! I’m Amanda, a licensed clinical social worker and preteen and teen therapist in Indianapolis. I especially enjoy working with preteens and teens.I would describe myself as passionate, optimistic, and caring, and I love finding humor wherever I can. My friends and family would probably also tell you that I have a sarcastic sense of humor and am always ready to help when someone needs me!

Outside of work, I love reading, spending time with close friends and family, and trying new creative hobbies. I enjoy making jewelry, getting outside for a walk, traveling for a weekend getaway, and catching up on my favorite shows. I’m also a big fan of sour candy, pretty much anything made from a potato, and coffee drinks that are probably more sugar and cold foam than actual coffee! A fun fact about me is that I used to own a chameleon, and I would love to adopt a dog someday.

My Specialties

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Trauma & Stress

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Self Esteem & Confidence

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Anxiety

and related disorders (OCD training pending)

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Family Issues

including attachment, divorce and other life transitions

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ADHD

A 'Lil Bit More Info

AGES SEEN

I especially enjoy working with preteens and teens! This stage of life can be pivotal and filled with self-discovery. There are so many opportunities to help young people explore their values, identities, relationships, and future goals. I enjoy supporting preteens and teens in developing their ability to self-reflect, build confidence, and recognize how strong, capable, and unique they are.

I tailor sessions to each client’s needs, goals, and strengths. I enjoy adapting interventions in creative ways, including art and visual learning aids, to help clients connect with therapeutic concepts. I do my best to balance vulnerability and fun, build a comfortable connection at the client’s pace, and offer challenges that support progress both in and out of sessions.

PHILOSOPHY

One saying that guides my work is, “be curious, not critical.” I aim to create a space where imperfections can be explored and understood, and I draw from DBT, CBT, and Internal Family Systems to tailor therapy to each client’s needs, goals, and strengths.

I also believe balancing individual sessions with family sessions is important to the progress made both in and out of the therapy office. By collaborating with clients and caregivers, we can address presenting concerns as well as family functioning. I often start by focusing on how each person likes to communicate, because learning one another’s communication styles can be a first step toward improving relationships and using skills outside therapy. My goal is to help families feel empowered and ready to navigate future challenges.

Education & Experience

Amanda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Psychological Science and her Master of Social Work from Ball State University, along with minors in Psychology of Human Development, Interpersonal Relations, and Sociology.

She has completed additional trainings in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), LGBTQ+ topics, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), which she especially enjoys using to encourage curiosity and compassion toward different parts of ourselves.

Masters of Social Work

from Ball State University

Bachelor of Science in Psychological Science