Here & After Counseling
About
Here & After Counseling was created with two goals in mind: therapy support to those facing challenges in their lives and to normalize death and dying in the community. While those goals may sound like polar opposites, they exist on the spectrum of life that connects us all. We are all born into this world, as we age throughout our lives we are faced with changes, challenges, experience highs and lows. As a part of the spectrum of life we will all, at some point, lose someone important to us and eventually take our last breath. These experiences, while different for each individual, are what makes us human and connected.
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There’s a lot to consider when thinking about the future, as well as what we are currently dealing with. I am here to help you navigate these experiences to support you, or your loved one, to live fulfilling lives.
Mission
To support clients adapt and thrive in their lives, whether they are going through life transitions, living with illness, caring for or connected to someone with illness, or have experienced loss.
Vision
To normalize death and dying in the community by creating a safe and welcoming space for end of life support, education and planning.
Hello
My name is Amanda Heather, LCSW APHSW-C
she/her(s)
I am a licensed clinical social worker with an advanced certification in hospice and palliative care. My background is in the healthcare field spanning the past 16 years. Previously I worked as a licensed practical nurse and decided to apply my experience in health and medicine to pursue a career in medical social work. I obtained my bachelors degree in child and family studies in 2011, then my masters degree in social work at Portland State University in 2013. For the last decade I have been supporting clients and their families during their most difficult stages of their lives as a palliative care social worker. I've also witnessed and held space for medical staff experiencing burnout and vicarious trauma.
I was born and raised in Oregon and have been living in Salem since 2015. I am a volunteer with End of Life Choices of Oregon, a nonprofit organization providing support and information for end of life options. I am also a volunteer for Salem Health's Peer Support Program. When I am not serving clients or volunteering, I enjoy being outdoors, traveling and eating delicious food. I am partnered and have a little dog named Mekah.
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As a queer neurodivergent person, my identity and experiences influence how I practice as a therapist and show up in this world as a human. As a white able-bodied cis-gender person, I acknowledge my privilege and continue to seek education and opportunities to make systemic change.