Meet Amanda

A woman with dark curly hair smiling at the camera, wearing a purple sleeveless blouse and a silver necklace, with a blurred office background.

Hi! I’m Amanda Kenney, LCSW (she/her), owner and founder of Moonrise Pathways, PLLC, therapist, trauma professional, and fellow human also navigating the complexities of life.

Work With Me

Core Beliefs at the Heart of My Counseling Approach

I believe therapy works best when it is human. I wouldn’t want to be vulnerable with someone who was basically robotic, so I won’t impose that on you! Are professional boundaries important? Sure, but I can maintain them and still show up genuinely rather than be a blank slate.

I believe healing happens in connection. I do integrate different “evidence-based” modalities and interventions into my counseling sessions, but building trust and connection comes first (and research supports this!)

I believe you are the expert in you. Whatever “qualifications” I have, you know you best. So I meet you where you are, and we work on what you want to work on–I don’t impose any fixed method or path, especially since there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to therapy.

I believe trauma-informed care is systems-informed care. I recognize how identity, culture, and systems of power shape our lived experiences. I’m committed to honoring your inherent worth and full, authentic self while factoring in the impacts of the state of the world and the systems at play.

Professional Background

Amanda Kenney, MSW, LCSW, CCTP, is the owner and founder of Moonrise Pathways, PLLC, and provides individual counseling and therapy services, as well as LCSW clinical supervision.

Amanda’s clinical approach is integrative and person-centered, drawing from evidence-based practices to support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and life transitions. Her work emphasizes collaboration, mind-body awareness, and honoring each person’s lived experience.

    • Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from North Carolina State University – Go Pack!

    • Bachelor’s in Human Development with minors in Public Justice and Health Science from the State University of New York at Oswego – Go Lakers!

    • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina [C013573]

    • NASW Certified Social Work Clinical Supervisor

    • EMDR-Trained Clinician (EMDRIA Approved)

    • Evergreen Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

  • I’m dedicated to lifelong learning and growth, ensuring my practice is rooted in current research and active accountability.
    My Integrative Training Focus includes training in evidence-based modalities and interventions such as:

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

    • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

    • Trauma-Focused Therapy

    • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

    • Somatic approaches

  • I’ve been working in mental health since 2019, beginning my career in community-based care and transitioning to private practice in 2023. I founded Moonrise Pathways in late 2025.

    Before becoming a therapist, my experiences were within the more mezzo and macro realms–basically meaning I was more involved in systems work such as community education and initiatives, and policy analysis. This is something I’m still very passionate about and plan to return to in addition to my clinical work.

A woman running in a race, wearing a red tank top with a name tag that says Amanda, blue leggings, and sunglasses, on a sunny day.
Image of Lucy, a white and brown dog laying in brown bed

The Human (& her dog)

Outside of sessions, I enjoy reading, running, bowling, hiking, and cheering on my sports teams–especially the Rangers & Giants. Of course, there’s also spending time with my dog Lucy Lu, who might be available to say hi virtually!

I believe our personal lives inform how we show up, and it’s important to me to practice the balance and self-compassion I encourage therapy participants to explore. I’m a therapist in therapy, doing my own work too!

You are welcome to ask me questions throughout our time together without hearing some robotic response. I can’t promise to answer all of the things, but I’m not going to the Wizard of Oz hiding behind the curtain either.

Quick Facts

  • Born and raised in New York–moved to NC in 2016

  • Identify as a white, Latina, cis woman

  • Eldest millennial daughter

  • Fueled by black iced coffee

  • Lover of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups