LGBT therapists in Sandy, UT

I am passionate about people and I love being a therapist. I get excited about getting to know new clients, learning their story, unpacking it in order to gain insight into why things have become the way they are and then using this insight to then foster healing, growth, and change. Change occurs once new ways of being are identified and barriers are removed in order to try on new ways of being.

I’m Amanda, and I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a place where they can show up exactly as they are. I bring warmth, authenticity, and even a bit of humor into the room when it feels right. I want you to feel genuinely seen—not judged—and supported in whatever you’re working through.

I’ve been in the counseling field for over 15 years and hold a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Tennessee. My experience ranges from private practice and telehealth to correctional mental health, hospitals, and leadership roles in community programs. A. Simms Resume copy

I work with adults experiencing mood challenges, anxiety, identity concerns, life transitions, and LGBTQIA+ experiences, as well as individuals who are justice-involved or adjusting to major life changes. My approach integrates CBT, ACT, and Reality Therapy, giving us room to explore both deeper patterns and practical skills.

Clients describe me as encouraging, steady, and real—someone who helps them feel grounded and capable while taking meaningful steps toward a more balanced and authentic life.

Maybe you have sensed something was different but never had the words for it. Maybe you have been carrying anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, or other struggles that have made everyday life feel harder than it should. Or maybe you have wondered whether ADHD or Autism is part of your story. As a PhD, I conduct formal assessments for ADHD, Autism, and more. I also provide ongoing therapy so you leave with real tools for a more joyful life.

I strive to help individuals who have been plagued by past or current trauma. I am here to empower within and help my clients uncover who they truly are. My goal is to connect with your potential, find wellness, and create meaning. Finding a therapist who empathizes yet pushes you is never easy. My gentle approach will aid clients in understanding their maladaptive thought patterns and challenging the narrative that has kept them stuck for so long.

Many people struggle with feeling different, strange, or like others do not relate to them well. Many people feel like they have to hide who they are and have no place to be themselves. This goes for the person with depression who needs to reshape their relationships; the person with PTSD facing their painful past; and the gay person grappling with the consequences of coming out or not.