Meet Dr. Amanda Cummings Brandenburg
I am a doctoral-level Licensed Psychologist in the state of North Carolina (#4831). I hold certifications as a Health Service Provider Psychologist (HSP-P) and I have obtained an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT Commission (APIT # 13904). In preparation for launching my private practice, I recently applied for and was awarded the 2024 Early Career Psychologist Credentialing Scholarship from the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. I also hold a membership with the American Psychological Association (APA) and several of the APA divisions including Division 17: Society of Counseling Psychology, Division 35: Society for the Psychology of Women, and Division 56: Trauma Psychology. Locally, I am a member of the Mecklenburg Psychological Association (MPA).
Educational Background
I grew up in a small town in upstate New York (think cornfields, not skyscrapers) and spent my entire K-12 years in the same school system. From an early age, I had a craving to expose myself to diversity and see more of what the world had to offer. The first time I stepped foot onto campus, I fell in love with the University of Maryland and knew it would be a great fit for me. While at UMD, I studied Psychology and Women's Studies. From there, I moved to Boston where I had the honor of working at McLean Hospital, the largest psychiatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. I worked as a research assistant in the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Program for Dr. Shelly F. Greenfield, MD, MPH, on the Women's Recovery Group Study. From Boston, I moved to Miami for four years where I attended the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program at the University of Miami. I had many amazing mentors throughout my time there, especially my dissertation co-chair Dr. Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN. In our research at The Center of Excellence for Health Disparities Research: El Centro, we examined intimate partner violence (IPV) among Hispanics and worked to develop a culturally-specific prevention program for local youth. In 2013, I was matched at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Counseling Center for my pre-doctoral internship. I was fortunate to stay at UNCC a second year for my post-doctoral fellowship. Subsequently, I obtained licensure as a psychologist and began my career in the Charlotte community.
Cummings Brandenburg Counseling PLLC
Cummings Brandenburg Counseling is a woman-owned business founded on feminist principles, including inclusion and social justice. I technically started my business in 2017, though at the time I was not ready to set up my own private practice quite yet. I kept my business license active while I practiced elsewhere in the Charlotte community, including Davidson College. After the difficulties experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic of balancing childcare with a career, I decided to officially start my own practice with special consideration of family-friendly policies. The name is significant because throughout my career I have been both Dr. Cummings and Dr. Brandenburg, thus it is a important part of my identity. My degrees and many of my publications are under the name Cummings.
Cummings Brandenburg Counseling PLLC officially launched in July 2024. I am excited to begin this journey and hope you will come along with me!
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*Picture used with permission from Tiffany Roe's Team*
"Feminism is the radical notion that women are people." - Marie Shear, 1986
What does it mean to me to be a feminist psychologist? It means that I value equality, especially in the therapeutic relationship, and I pay attention to the role of oppression, stereotyping, and discrimination in mental health issues. It also means that I strongly value an authentic connection as a key part of the healing process - not only fostering connection with me, but with yourself and those around you. Another vital component of my clinical practice is empowerment and giving those who have been silenced a voice to speak up against injustices. Many of my clients come to me after failed therapy experiences elsewhere, exhausted and eager to get to work. I know your time is valuable and I am committed to being fully present for you in this process.
*Picture used with permission from Gemma Hartley*
Psychology "Celebrity" Sighting
In August 2012 I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Leslie Greenberg, founder of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). I bumped into him at the American Psychological Association's annual convention. At the time, I was excited to share with him that I was studying EFT for my Qualifying Exams in graduate school.
Meet Les (emotionfocusedtherapy.org).
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I enjoy traveling to conferences and conventions to meet other psychologists and professionals in the field of mental health. Over the years, I have met countless inspirational leaders, including Gloria Steinem, a well-known feminist and political activist. It is these types of experiences that re-ignite my passion for what I do.