Amanda Leal, DSW, LCSW-C

Clinical Director, Doctor of Social Work (DSW), LCSW-C, Psychotherapy

"I believe in finding connection and fostering hope to empower people as they move through life challenges to discover truer versions of themselves."

With a deep commitment to fostering hope, empowerment, and meaningful connections, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover truer versions of themselves. I firmly believe that each person is the expert in their own life, and my role as a licensed clinical social worker is to provide unwavering support as clients pursue their individual goals.

My journey in the field of social work began in 2005 when I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Salisbury University. Building upon this foundation, I obtained a Master of Social Work degree from Boston University in 2012, setting the stage for my career in therapy and counseling.

Throughout my professional journey, I have continuously sought to expand my knowledge and skills. I have completed various significant training and certifications, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ERPSCC), Social Work with Older Adults, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Neuropsychotherapy.

My educational pursuits culminated in earning a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree from Capella University in March 2022. This advanced degree in social work emphasizes advanced practice and administration, aligning perfectly with my passion for therapeutic work.

As a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland and Texas since 2014, I have had the privilege of providing therapy to both children and adults. I offer a comprehensive range of services, including relationship counseling and individual counseling, tailored to each client’s unique needs.

In addition to my clinical work, I proudly serve as the Clinical Director for Serenity Place, LLC, where I provide leadership and guidance to our dedicated team of professionals. My role as Clinical Director allows me to shape the vision and quality of care provided by our organization, ensuring that our clients receive the highest standard of support and therapy.

Furthermore, I am licensed to provide clinical supervision to Master’s level social workers in Maryland and Texas, and I can offer up to 50 hours of clinical supervision to LGPCs (Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors) in Maryland.

My integrative approach to therapy allows me to draw from a diverse array of training and certifications, including Neuropsychotherapy, to create a customized intervention that aligns with the specific needs and goals of my clients. I am deeply committed to fostering a safe and nurturing therapeutic environment where you can explore your journey towards healing and self-discovery.

I look forward to embarking on this transformative journey with you, empowering you to uncover your most authentic and healthier self.

  • California (MD) Office