headshot of amy fort a virtual counselor and cbt therapist in portland maine with eastern shore counseling, cbt, individual therapy

Amy Fort

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

It’s important to us at Eastern Shore Counseling that you feel aligned with your therapist or coach. For this reason, we put a lot of thought and effort into our clinician’s individual pages so you can get to know them a bit as a human and then as a provider.

We’re here to support you in this season.

Overcoming Depression, Anxiety, and Low Self-Esteem

an image of a lighthouse with a rocky shore off the coast of maine, virtual counselor, individual therapy
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Navigating life can feel overwhelming. Sometimes depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem keeps us from showing up and fully engaging in our lives. We feel stuck. Maybe you feel anxious because your internal dialogue, or perhaps another person, tries to convince you that you are not worthy or will fail. Maybe you feel alone or misunderstood by family, friends, or society, which can feel like you are navigating an emotional minefield, just trying to survive each day. Sometimes it’s a struggle just to get through the day.  It can drain and deplete the little bit you have left.  Nobody should walk through life feeling alone.

Amy sees the inherent strength in each individual and uses empathy, compassion, insight, skill-building, cognitive behavioral therapy, and oftentimes humor, to help people tap into their inner strengths and capabilities to create meaningful change in their lives. She believes that there are few things in life more satisfying than being instrumental in helping another human being get “unstuck” and move towards an emotionally healthy existence.

A CBT Relationship Therapist

As a clinician, Amy brings years of experience having worked in various settings including private practice and mental health agencies. Amy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping people find ways to improve their emotional well-being, their relationships with others, and their relationship with themselves. She loves working with individuals who struggle with low self-esteem, anger, depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Amy also works with couples to help rebuild connection and communication. Amy strongly supports the LGBTQ+ community.

What Clinical Areas Amy Works With The Most

Amy Fort, LCSW, is a highly skilled online counselor based in Gorham, Maine, dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Amy has a wealth of experience in helping individuals and couples navigate various mental health challenges. Her expertise covers a range of critical areas, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger management, and communication.

  • Anxiety and Depression: Amy Fort understands the complexities of anxiety and depression and employs evidence-based CBT techniques to assist clients in managing and overcoming these conditions. Whether you're dealing with the constant weight of anxiety or the overwhelming feelings of depression, Amy is committed to helping you find relief and regain control over your life.

  • Self Esteem: Amy specializes in bolstering low self esteem and self-worth. She offers guidance and support to individuals struggling with low self-esteem, helping them develop a more positive self-image and the confidence to pursue their goals and dreams.

  • Anger Management: For those grappling with anger issues, Amy provides a safe and non-judgmental space to explore the underlying causes of anger and develop healthy strategies for anger management. Her approach helps clients gain greater emotional regulation and improve their relationships.

  • Communication: Effective communication is key to healthy relationships, and Amy excels in helping couples enhance their communication skills. Whether you're experiencing conflicts, miscommunications, or difficulties expressing your feelings, Amy can guide you and your partner toward more open and constructive communication.

  • Couples Therapy: In addition to individual therapy, Amy Fort offers couples therapy. She understands the unique dynamics and challenges that couples face and strives to create a supportive environment where partners can address their issues, improve their connection, and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

    Amy Fort's dedication to her clients' well-being and her expertise in CBT make her a valuable resource for those seeking therapy in Gorham, Maine, for a virtual counselor. Whether you're an individual looking to address anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or anger issues, or a couple seeking to improve your relationship through better communication, Amy is here to provide the professional support and guidance you need to lead a happier, healthier life.

What Is It Like Working With A CBT Therapist?

Structured

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured and goal-oriented approach. Together, we will embark on a structured journey that involves learning concrete exercises to change thought patterns and behaviors. These exercises are designed to help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that may be contributing to your challenges with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger, or communication. By following a structured plan, you'll gain the tools and techniques needed to address these issues effectively.

Empowering

CBT therapy is inherently empowering. As we work together, you'll gradually gain a deep sense of self-efficacy. You will witness the power you have over your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through the structured exercises and insights gained in therapy, you'll develop the confidence and tools to take control of your mental health and well-being. This sense of empowerment will enable you to navigate challenges with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger, and communication with greater confidence and resilience.

Insightful

In addition to providing structure, CBT therapy is also highly insightful. Throughout our sessions, you'll have the opportunity to gain new insights about the possible motivations of others and, more importantly, your own thought processes and behaviors. Together, we will explore the underlying beliefs and thought patterns that drive your emotions and actions. This self-awareness is a crucial step toward making lasting changes in your life.

Get Started With Individual Therapy or Couples Therapy In Maine

Select Your Provider

Begin your counseling journey in Maine by choosing a therapist or coach who aligns with your needs and goals. Our team of experienced therapists, life coach and health coach are are here to help you find the right fit for the kind of support you need.

Schedule Free Intro Session

Schedule a complimentary 30min introductory session with the provider of your choosing to ensure they are a good fit for you. This initial consultation allows you to connect with your chosen provider, discuss your concerns, and explore how counseling can benefit you. We’re better together.

Feel Relief

In your complimentary 30min introductory session, you'll start your journey towards emotional well-being, understanding, and personal growth. You don’t have to keep doing this and hoping it just sorts itself out. We are really good at helping you reduce symptoms and start living life on your terms!

Please kindly note that eastern shore counseling is a sister company of sunshine city counseling. You’ll see sunshine city counseling as the main logo when booking so ensure you are scheduling for "eastern shore counseling” or “esc” either in person in Gorham, Maine or for online counseling. Thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions About CBT Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is based on the premise that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and by addressing and modifying our thoughts and behaviors, we can improve our emotional well-being and overall mental health.

  • CBT is effective for a wide range of mental health issues, including:

    Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder)

    Mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder)

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    Phobias

    Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa)

    Substance abuse and addiction

    Anger management

    Stress management

    Relationship issues

    Chronic pain and illness

    Sleep disorders

  • CBT and DBT are both forms of psychotherapy, but they have some key differences:

    CBT primarily focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, while DBT was developed specifically to address emotional dysregulation and interpersonal difficulties.

    DBT incorporates mindfulness techniques and emphasizes acceptance and validation of emotions, whereas CBT may not always include mindfulness as a central component.

    DBT is often used to treat borderline personality disorder and self-harm behaviors, while CBT is more versatile and can be applied to a broader range of mental health issues.

  • CBT therapy typically involves the following steps:

    Assessment: The therapist assesses the client's current issues, symptoms, and thought patterns.

    Goal setting: Together, the therapist and client establish clear, achievable goals for therapy.

    Identification of thought patterns: The client learns to recognize negative or irrational thought patterns that contribute to distressing emotions or behaviors.

    Challenging and changing thoughts: The client works with the therapist to challenge and reframe these negative thoughts into more rational and constructive ones.

    Behavioral techniques: The client learns and practices new coping strategies and behaviors to replace unhealthy ones.

    Homework assignments: Clients often complete assignments outside of therapy sessions to reinforce what they've learned.

    Ongoing support and feedback: The therapist provides guidance, support, and feedback throughout the therapy process to track progress and make necessary adjustments.

    CBT is typically a time-limited therapy that is structured and focused on achieving specific treatment goals.

What Mental Health Services Does Eastern Shore Counseling Offer?

Life Coaching

Health Coaching

Couples Therapy

Individual Therapy

Whether you are struggling with finding an lgbt affirming therapist, signs of postpartum anxiety, or low self esteem, our counseling clinic in Gorham, Maine is here to support you. We provide in-office counseling sessions as well as online couples counseling in addition to online life coaching and online health coaching. Schedule a complimentary 30min introductory session to ensure we are a good fit for you and the level of support you need in this season.

We’re better together.