About AMANDA

Amanda Press, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

The Center for Connection

Dr. Amanda Press (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience supporting neurodivergent children, teens, and adults, as well as parents navigating complex neurodevelopmental and relational experiences. Dr. Press takes a neuro-affirming, holistic approach, honoring an individual’s unique experiences, strengths, and life journey. She blends evidence-based science with an attuned, intuitive understanding of the body and mind, supporting clients in accessing their own natural capacity for wisdom, balance, and compassion. Dr. Press specializes in assessment and therapy for neurodivergent profiles, including Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), autism and ADHD. She has particular expertise supporting neurodivergent women and parents managing masking, burnout, overwhelm, and the impact of feeling misunderstood. 

Dr. Press has completed extensive training with the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion and additional, in-depth studies in Buddhist psychology, integrating these practices into a compassion-focused therapeutic approach. Her work is informed by Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, attachment, trauma-informed interventions, and mindfulness and body-based practices. This integrative framework allows Dr. Press to support clients in developing emotional regulation, self-compassion, resilience, and insight, while addressing the challenges of neurodivergence, relational and developmental trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, chronic stress, high masking, and major life transitions. 

Dr. Press earned her B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from City University in London, a master’s degree in psychology from Liverpool University, and her doctorate in clinical psychology from California Southern University. She has worked extensively across the UK, South Africa, and Canada, including in private practice and alongside the NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). These experiences have given her a broad perspective on developmental trajectories, family systems, and cultural context, and inform her work with children, teens, and adults navigating relational, emotional, and neurodivergent challenges. 

Dr. Press was born and raised in England. Through her love of travel and adventure, she now lives in Southern California with her two young adult sons and brings a lived understanding of neurodivergence and family life to her work. She enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, practicing meditation, traveling, and especially cooking with her children, who share her love of food. 

License # PSY 35831