Amy Reamer

I believe deeply in the strength and creativity of people to find their own solutions. Regulation provides the foundation for that growth—and when people understand their brains and bodies, they begin to feel empowered instead of broken. It’s a joy to walk alongside clients, families, and professionals on that journey.

As the founder of Heart & Mind Therapy, I bring both personal and professional experience in adoption, developmental trauma, and neurodevelopmental disabilities to my work. My passion lies in helping individuals and families heal from early adversity using evidence-based, neuroscience-informed practices that support lasting regulation and connection.

I’m a self-described brain geek, always looking for creative ways to translate neuroscience into everyday healing. My clinical focus includes the effects of early trauma and neglect on the brain, and how we can support nervous system regulation through somatic, sensory, and relational approaches.

I am the author of Toby the Tiger Tamer, a children’s book developed out of play therapy sessions to help children understand what’s happening in their brains and bodies during dysregulation. The story has become a powerful tool for children, teens, and even adults—especially parents—who often carry the belief that they are “broken” or “bad.” The Tiger Taming framework offers language, hope, and a path toward regulation.

I also created the Tiger Taming Drills Program, a brain-based framework for building nervous system awareness and regulation skills, now supported by a companion Tame Your Tiger workbook available in the Heart & Mind Therapy store. I offer trainings and workshops on this model for therapists, educators, and community partners.

In addition, I co-host the Regulation Revolution podcast, which empowers listeners to understand their nervous systems and reclaim joy, connection, and self-compassion.

My current clinical work includes two specialized interventions:
• Safe and Sound in the Sand – a 12-session program combining the Safe and Sound Protocol with Sand Tray therapy. This approach supports children (ages 8+) through adults struggling with anxiety, emotional dysregulation, trauma, shutdown, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties with connection.
• FirstPlay – a nurturing, relationship-based play therapy model for infants (ages 0–2) and their caregivers, especially helpful for attachment concerns, caregiver overwhelm, early trauma or medical experiences, and building co-regulation in the earliest years.

I also provide supervision for LPCs and LMFTs in Virginia, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S) supervision, and consultation for professionals integrating trauma-informed, brain-aligned care into their work.

I hold an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Psychology with a Play Therapy Specialization. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development from Fielding Graduate Institute.