Amy Schilder LMHCA, Trauma, Embodiment, & Equine Therapy Specialist, Community Leader
Welcome,
I understand that reaching out for help can be overwhelming. That's why I prioritize making every interaction feel warm, welcoming, and judgment-free. You are more than just a client- you are someone with a story, dream, and the potential to thrive.
In person Bellingham/Lynden & Monroe, WA
Online in Washington
Hybrid in NW Washington
“Maybe the journey isn't about becoming anything, but in the un-becoming". -P. Coelho
Healing doesn’t have to take years. If you’ve been carrying the weight of trauma, grief, or anxiety, I want you to know—you don’t have to do this alone. Imagine feeling lighter, more at peace, and truly supported in your healing journey.
I provide empowering, goal-oriented, personalized counseling for youth & adults seeking freedom from barriers and stressors and am passionate about supporting your journey. My methods focus on humanistic psychology, somatic experiencing, embodied healing & growth from a collaborative, experiential approach. Together, we can help you breakthrough for changes that last!
My clients report feeling empowered as individuals while also learning to support, collaborate, and find strength in the connection they have with loved ones, peers, and their communities.
Through calming the nervous system, regulating emotions and energy, and ultimately on finding moments of joy, lightness and hope, I can help you move forward differently.
Looking for the right fit?
You feel things deeply. Old stories linger. Anxiety hums beneath the surface. You long for stillness — for space where you don’t have to shrink, fix, or pretend. Have you spoken to a professional before and left disappointed?
Are you looking for empowering, goal-oriented support? Seeking freedom from obstacles impeding your quality of life? Obstacles from complex mental health challenges or simply the stress of life? Then you are in the right place.
It is an honor to work with clients from across the lifespan and gender spectrum with a variety of concerns and backgrounds. I support youth ages 6+, adults, couples, families, veterans, military and first responders.
My Specialties include:
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Attachment + Relationship Struggles
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Chronically Anxious + Panic Attacks
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Childhood & Complex Trauma
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Highly Sensitive + Deep Feelers
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Neurodivergent
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Overachievers + Perfectionists
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People Pleasers + Codependency
What makes me unique?
I am thoroughly educated, trained, and skilled, but what my clients love the most about me is that I have personally experienced significant emotional & psychological challenges.
My personal journey through trauma, pain, grief, loss, transition, single parenthood, enhance my ability to connect with and support others facing similar issues. Because of my past experiences, I bring empathy, authenticity and compassion to my practice.
I've dedicated myself to becoming resilient and to my personal growth through my own journey, discovering a deep passion for supporting others along the way. I believe this has all led to my purpose in life to do this life-changing work and help those struggling to cope & thrive.
With locations in both Whatcom & Snohomish Counties, I have a tremendous amount of flexibility to meet you in a place that is most comfortable to you.
The decision to enter therapy can be overwhelming, especially if you've sought professional help before and left frustrated. I invite you to reach out to try something different. To look within yourself and access the strength and tools that will help you create a life of wellness & balance. Let's connect.
About Me
LICENSE
Licensed Associate Mental Health Counselor
Marriage & Family Counseling
EDUCATION
BS in Architectural Design
MS in Clinical Mental Health & Children, Marriage and Family Counseling
SPECIAL TRAININGS
Polyvagel Experiencing
Trauma- Informed Care
Equine Facilitated Therapy
THEORY OF CHOICE
Trauma-Based, Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagel Theory, Equine Facilitated Therapy.
EXPERIENCE
Arts & Contemporary Craft Curator 1990-2009
Our Treehouse Grief Support Program Founder
Experiential Learning Specialist since 2008
Certified Equine Facilitation Specialist since 2012
Certified Trauma Informed Care Specialist since 2015
PUBLICATIONS
My first published book Linked: The power of releasing Human-doing and embracing you as a Human-being coming 2026.
My Services
What therapeutic methods do you use?
Equine Facilitated Counseling & Wellness,
Nature Experiencing,
Walk & Talk Sessions,
Hybrid in person/telehealth opportunities.
Ongoing weekly sessions that compliment your schedule.
Personalized Immersion full day Intensives or multi-day immersions
Where are you located?
I see clients both online, in person, and with the help of horses at my partner horse located in Whatcom County and Monroe, Snohomish County, both easily accessed. My clients primarily come from North Seattle, Snohomish, Skagit, Island, and Whatcom Counties.
You can contact me by phone at 425-333-1030 or by email at amy@stiqiwcollaborative.com to set up your free 15-minute phone consultation. If we choose to work together, we will then choose a day and time to schedule your intake session.
Do you provide in person or online services?
Yes, I provide both in-person and telehealth sessions. During our consultation, we will decide together whether in-person or telehealth is the best option for your care. Telehealth is another means to provide therapy. Telehealth is just like an in-person session, only over phone or video.
What about payment and fees?
Full payment in the form of check, cash, credit/debit card is due at the conclusion of each session. Your credit/debit payment information will be gathered before your intake appointment and saved throughout the rest of treatment. I am an out-of-network provider, and I am happy to provide you with monthly invoices so you can use your out-of-network insurance coverage if that is available to you. See about insurance and superbills below.
Do you take insurance?
No, I do not take insurance at this time. Some of the reasons why I don’t accept health insurance have to do with me and my well-being, and most have to do with my clients and their well-being. Many potential clients don’t realize that there are several downsides for therapists and clients when using insurance to pay for psychotherapy. When you solely use insurance, treatment is decided by what your insurance chooses to pay for, and requires medical diagnosis that can then increase insurance premiums- having the freedom to meet as often, how ever long, and with the methods of our choosing significantly increase the value of our therapeutic relationship.
Do you offer sliding scale sessions?
Yes, I offer sliding scale, low-cost sessions when I am able. When possible, I save 10% of slots for sliding-scale clients. My typical fee is $175 a session, and my sliding scale sessions are $100, $125, and $150. At this time, I am accepting sliding scale spots for those who belong to marginalized communities.
What is your cancellation policy?
In order to cancel or reschedule an appointment, you will be expected to give notification at least 24-hours in advance of your appointment. If you do not provide me with at least 24 hours advanced notice of cancellation, you are responsible for payment for the missed session. The credit card on file will be charged for any no-show or late cancellation fees. *If client is able to reschedule their session within the same week, there will not be charged a cancellation fee. This fee can be discussed and altered for emergencies and severe financial impact.
What do your services cost?
I offer out-of-network payment options and can provide a superbill for those that request one. I also partner with a nonprofit to offer reduced fees for equine work for those in need of financial assistance.
Sessions are 55 minutes long.
Individual Session Cost: $175 per session
Couples Session Cost: $200 per session
Sliding Scale: I offer sliding scale pricing
Individual Intensives: $195/hour.
Couples/Family Intensives: $225/hour
Intensives can be scheduled during the week or on some weekends. 50% of total cost is due at the time of scheduling and the remainder will be charged on the first day of your intensive.
Retreats
Cost vary by retreat duration.
Payment Methods
Credit/Debit cards
Cash
Check
Health Savings Account
Paypal
Venmo
Zelle
Intensives
I am fortunate to work at locations with incredible natural beauty and believe in the power of healing & wellness through embodying the present moment and the world around us.
As an alternative, I specialize in providing multiple hour intensives. Intensives are conducted over the span of several hours or days.
Intensives provide goal-oriented, focused support that address deep-seated issues and can accelerate your healing journey and be a guide back to you.
I offer intensives as my schedule allows and what best suits your schedule. Come for a few hours, work through activities together, and find a deeper understanding about who you truly are. You will also leave with personalized resources as part of your intensive to take home.
They are also perfect for adjunct support. You do not need a therapist referral to do an intensive.
Retreats
In addition, I provide retreats a couple of times per year. If you are interested in being informed about these opportunities, please email me for further information and dates.
Testimonials
“The integration of being in nature, experiencing non-judgmental connection and acceptance, I felt truly connected, held, and seen.” - V. Herzog, LMHC.
“Amy doesn’t dismiss, minimize, or invalidate feelings but provides validation and explanations that also help bring understanding to my situation and I feelings in my body reactions that provides comfort I haven’t been able to find anywhere else.” -adult client
“Our daughter has been participating in a horse therapy program for the last several weeks and seems to absolutely love it! We have seen a positive change not only in her behavior but also in a desire to branch out and communicate more, instead of hiding upstairs.
On the very first day we weren't sure what to expect when we came back to pick her up. I saw them come out of the barn and walk away from the horses. When she was about 25 feet from the horse, she stopped and ran back to the horse and gave her a hug goodbye. Knowing that she hasn't hugged ANYONE in several years, I couldn't help but cry, heavily. I can't express enough how that affected me.
Our daughter actually talks about the farm while at home and looks forward to going the next time. I know that might not sound like much, but she hasn't talked about, or looked forward to, anything in a very long time”. -a client’s foster father
