Dr Amanda Aster-McKenna Helps Patients Move Forward

By Janis Hashe, photo by Dan Epstein

Dr. Amanda Aster-McKenna, Psy.D follows the principles of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) in her own life. “The goal is to be able to continue living a fulfilling life, even if difficult thoughts and feelings are present,” she said. ACT, she explained, can be said to stand for “Accept, Commit, Take Action.”

Dr. Aster-McKenna works with many patients dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and other emotional and behavioral issues, which have become even more prevalent during the pandemic. She finds ACT helps people “learn to get better at feeling,” enabling them to move forward in their lives.

For example, someone might say to themselves, “I’ll ask that someone out when I don’t have anxiety.” But, she said, people can learn to accept a certain amount of anxiety and still take action.

She first conducts a free, 15-minute phone or video consultation with a potential client. Then, the client can chose to commit to a 60-minute session which explores their situation, and determines if therapist and client are a good fit. A poem by Dawna Markova on her website helps express her focus. It begins: I will not die an unlived life/ I will not live in fear.

Amanda Aster-Mckenna, PSY.D

85 Park St., Ste. 2J, Montclair | 973-233-5433 www.dramandaaster.com

Making Healthier Easier

with Our Green Drink & Organic Cleanses!

Boost Energy, Increase Metabolism, Improve Eating Habits & Lose Weight with Chef V.

Farm fresh, certified organic, plant-based foods, and raw green drinks—Handmade then delivered to your door by Private Chef & Nutritional Therapist, Veronica 55% OFF All Deliveries at ChefV.com

Use code: SUBURBAN • or Call: 866-709-6060

or Visit Our Store in the Essex Mall—next to Marshalls and Stop n Shop—897 Bloomfield Ave, West Caldwell

Defining the Future of DERMATOLOGY

ADVANCED BODY CONTOURING TECHNIQUES Coolsculpting, Emsculpt, Exilis Ultra

Medical Treatments:

• acne • psoriasis • eczema • skin cancer • rosacea • hair loss • skin allergies • Xtrac

Cosmetic Services:

• botox/dysport • dermal fillers • hydrafacial • body contouring • manual facials • microneedling • Kybella

Treating Patients with COMPASSION and WARMTH

Follow @naturalimageskincenter

NEW LOCATION

201 South Livingston Ave, Livingston, NJ

Evening and weekend hours available Call 908-509-1938 for an appointment today!

908-509-1938

201 SO. LIVINGSTON AVE, CONDO 1C, LIVINGSON