Amanda Zaski, LCSW

Therapist / Senior Clinician | azaski@3rdwavetherapy.com| 919-886-4052

Many of us find ourselves stuck in deep-rooted patterns that may have once been helpful or protective but no longer serve us. These patterns can make it difficult to show up in the world the way we want to. Pain and discomfort are unavoidable parts of being human, and my hope as a therapist is to empower you to live a meaningful life, even amid life’s challenges.

Together, with curiosity and compassion, we will explore what may be getting in the way of creating the life you want. Our work will focus on helping you show up more fully and authentically in your relationships and in the world.

My approach draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to provide practical tools and strategies. I also integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS), or “parts work,” to help you understand and care for the different aspects of yourself with compassion. In addition, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based therapy that supports healing from trauma and distressing experiences.

I believe the foundation of effective therapy is a strong, supportive relationship. I am committed to creating a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you feel understood, accepted, and open to exploring your internal experiences.

• Treatment Specialties

  • Anxiety

  • Depression & Mood Disorders

  • PTSD, Trauma, & Abuse Recovery

  • Social Anxiety

  • Stress Management, Self-Growth, & Coping Tools

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Services Provided

  • Individual Therapy

  • EMDR

• Education

  Master of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Bachelor of Arts, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• Experience

  My work is grounded in trauma-informed and somatic approaches that help clients reconnect with their bodies, process difficult experiences, and build meaningful resilience. I support individuals across the lifespan with concerns such as anxiety, stress, depression, mood disorders, life transitions, relationship challenges, and chronic pain or illness. My background includes providing care in outpatient, healthcare, community, and home settings. I also have extensive experience supporting autistic individuals and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. I am comfortable working with clients who experience OCD symptoms and prefer a steady, thoughtful approach to their care.

  Prior to joining Third Wave, I worked in several outpatient clinics within the Duke University Health System, including Duke Children’s Evaluation Center, Duke Children’s Primary Care, and Duke Center for Autism. I also completed internships at Duke Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic and UNC Physicians’ Network, where I gained experience facilitating groups such as a pain management program based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

• Insurances

  Blue Cross Blue Shield

  Aetna

  North Carolina State Health Plan