Amy Jacobsen

Featured Therapist Interview

Dr. Amy Jacobsen is a KS-licensed psychologist in the Kansas City metro area specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive spectrum conditions. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2005 from the University of Georgia, with a specific emphasis in the study and treatment of childhood anxiety disorders. She completed her internship in Clinical Psychology at SUNY Upstate Medical University, followed by a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She served as an Assistant Professor in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Hoglund Brain Imaging Center/University of Kansas Medical Center, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Dr. Jacobsen’s clinical work has focused on specialty Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) services for anxiety conditions, OCD, and OC spectrum conditions across all age groups, including intensive Exposure/Response Prevention (ERP) protocols and core CBT services for anxiety, obsessive compulsive spectrum conditions, and related difficulties.

In 2015, she transitioned to full-time private practice offering specialty evidence-based CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) services for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum conditions. More information regarding her practice can be found at https://www.dramyjacobsen.com.

She is an active member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the International OCD Foundation, and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America and regularly presents at both local and national levels. She also serves as a board member for OCD Kansas, the local non-profit affiliate of the International OCD Foundation, dedicated to raising awareness about obsessive-compulsive and related disorders and building a community to support those affected.

First, we would like to know a little about your practice.

What are your personal strengths as a practitioner?

I believe strongly in starting with a thorough assessment to elucidate the person’s needs and the diagnostic impressions. If the services that I offer do not fit their needs, I want to help them get connected with the right resource. I seek a positive balance of rapport and evidence-based treatment, monitoring progress along the way. I also spend time on building motivation for change and helping individuals define the outcome picture and valued life for which they are striving through the treatment process.

How do you remind your patients of their strengths during the therapy process?

I aim to look for the strengths that naturally come out within the treatment process and then help individuals to recognize these. I also incorporate strengths assessments to encourage an awareness of one’s strengths and work with individuals to identify specific behaviors that align with their strengths.

We would also like to know a little about you personally.

Who was your mentor?

I’ve been fortunate to work with several amazing mentors over the year, including Drs. Kimberly Shipman and Nader Amir during my graduate school years and Drs. Steven Whiteside and Jonathan Abramowitz during fellowship.

When not practicing CBT, what do you do for fun?

I enjoy hiking, cooking, and spending time with my family.

Finally, we would like to know your opinions about ABCT.

How has ABCT helped you professionally?

I first joined ABCT during graduate school, and it quickly became a favorite organization to build professional connections and strengthen my education and skillset as a researcher and clinician.

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions!