About Nesting
Amanda Dodson is a life skills coach and an artist. Amanda is a licensed clinical social worker with a background as a therapist. Because of her experience as a mental health professional, she understands the impact of your environment on your emotional state, and vice versa. That’s why Nesting is a no judgment zone.
Amanda founded Nesting out of a desire to provide practical, non clinical, in-home support to people struggling with the stressors of everyday life. When you’re sick, or depressed, or grieving, cleaning the house is not a priority. That being said, living in chaos does not tend to improve one’s state of mind. Nesting beautifies your home because having a functional space just feels good.
Nesting isn’t therapy. It is individualized non-clinical support, informed by Amanda’s in-depth knowledge of stress management. Nesting provides a caring presence, nitty gritty assistance, and aesthetic sensibilities, so that you can feel calm and comfortable in your own nest.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do you work with children and families?
A: No, I only work with adults.
Q: Are you a life coach?
A: No, Nesting is not life coaching but life skills coaching. It is not my role to help you determine what to do with your life. Rather, my job is to help equip you with the practical skills for living, such as organization, cleaning, care of self.
Q: I can’t afford the full fee. Do you offer any discounts?
A: Yes, I offer sliding scale spots for people who are unable to pay the full fee. If you need a sliding scale rate, we will discuss it during the consultation. (Talking about money can be scary, and I work hard to make that conversation as painless as possible!)
Q: Do you work with people with ADHD?
A: Yes. I work with people with a range of diagnoses: ADHD, autism, mood disorders, anxiety, or chronic illness. Because of my clinical background, I have a thorough understanding of these symptoms. However, please note that I do not provide diagnosis, treatment, or emotional processing. However, I will work hard to help you put systems in place that compassionately acknowledge and accommodate your conditions.
Q: Can you be my therapist too?
A: No. While I do maintain my LCSW license, Nesting is a completely non-clinical service, entirely separate from therapy. It is not intended to be, nor is it a replacement for, mental health treatment. Former therapy clients are never eligible to be Nesting clients, and vice versa, in order to avoid a dual relationship. If needed, I will happily work in collaboration with your therapist and defer to their clinical guidance.
Q: What will happen in our consultation?
A: All new clients are required to do a video consultation via google meet. This meeting is 30 minutes maximum. We will discuss your barriers and goals. I will provide details on the coaching process. At the end of the consultation, you can take a while to think about if this services is right for you. Or, you can choose to set up our first session then. No pressure!
Q: How does coaching work?
A: We will come up with individual goals: whether that be organizing a room, developing a routine, or tackling a big project. I will help you come up with a plan to address your barriers and work towards those goals. Depending on the level of support you need, we may organize together over video.
At the end of the 30 minutes, we will agree on homework. This will be sent to your email so you don’t need to remember anything! Homework examples: going through a box of clutter with a technique we practiced in session, or making three logistical phone calls, or dropping off donations.
The next session, we will follow up on your homework and determine what worked and what didn’t. We continue meeting and chipping away at your goals until you feel that you are ready to fly solo.
Q: What is your philosophy as an organizer?
A: My philosophy is: whatever works! I won’t try to make you follow a system. I will work to come up with a system that fits you. I am not an organizer for aesthetics, but for function. (Though I do like when things look pretty!) I specialize in working with people who have “failed” at traditional organizing systems.
Q: I know I need help with organizing, but I’m so embarrassed for someone to see my space.
A: Please keep in mind that I have seen everything. I will work hard to be positive, encouraging, and non-judgmental, no matter the condition of your space.
