We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Bickel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
In the social work field, there is such an importance for a healthy work-life balance, but do people really achieve this for themselves?

I often reflect on the idea of work-life balance. My grandfather taught me many lessons, but one that stands out is his advice to, “Do what you love.” I genuinely love and enjoy the work I do with my clients. However, I am a firm believer in self-care and setting boundaries. Burnout is pervasive in this industry, regardless of where you work. At the end of the day, maintaining a work-life balance is crucial to providing the highest level of care for our clients. I am continually learning new ways to improve my work-life balance, incorporate self-care, and mindfulness into my daily routine.

My work-life balance has changed over the course of my profession as a therapist. I am no stranger to the feeling of burn out, although I am trying to be more mindful of what my mind and body is asking of me. Some ways I implement this is by having a four day work week, a “no work after hours” policy, and designating time to things I love after the workday.

I have learned that work-life balance has to do with the type of company you work for and how they value your time. I currently work for a group practice in Centennial, Colorado called Original Path Counseling. This November marks my one-year anniversary at Original Path, and I am deeply thankful to the practice owner Amanda Woodard as well as my supervisor and mentor Barbara Hernandez. I believe that work-life balance is attainable when you have a team that truly understands and respects the importance of personal well-being, and I’m fortunate to have found that at Original Path.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I attended Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, where I earned a BA in psychology and early childhood education. I then pursued my Master’s in Social Work at the University of Denver, graduating in 2023. During my time there, I also earned a certificate in Animal Assisted Social Work from the Institute for Human-Animal Connection.

What sets me apart as a therapist is my unique perspective shaped by my extensive experience as a client. Having navigated personal adversity and loss, I bring a deep, empathetic understanding to the challenges my clients face. This personal journey has taught me the importance of resilience, self-compassion, and the power of storytelling. I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and I am committed to honoring how each person chooses to share theirs.

My professional journey hasn’t been easy. Starting in community mental health was challenging, but it gave me invaluable experience as a clinician and helped me transition into private practice. In private practice, I’ve had to identify where my expertise would be most impactful, define my client demographic, and build my caseload from the ground up. Today, I’m passionate about working with individuals and families, and I’m committed to continuously expanding my knowledge to better serve my clients.

I’m particularly excited about the growing recognition of animal-assisted therapy and its transformative potential. As an avid animal lover, I’m eager to continue exploring innovative ways to integrate animals into therapeutic settings, with the dream of one day opening my own animal-assisted therapy facility. My belief in holistic treatment drives me to empower my clients by providing a safe, nurturing space during uncertain times.

The most rewarding part of being a therapist is witnessing my clients persevere, develop coping skills, and ultimately achieve happiness and security. Each individual’s journey is unique, and I am privileged to support them as they understand their past and create new, empowering narratives. As I continue to grow in this field, I’m committed to making a lasting, positive impact in the lives of my clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d start our trip in Denver with coffee at Blue Sparrow in RiNo, it’s one of my favorite spots because of its cozy vibe. Then we would spend the morning shopping together at local boutiques. In the afternoon, we’d hit up Olive and Finch in Uptown and then some thrift stores like Fever Dream Vintage in City Park and Common Collective in Capitol Hill. For dinner, we’d head to Postino in LoHi, perks if it’s a Monday for their board and bottle special.

On the second day, we’d grab a quick bite at Nana’s Dumplings before strolling around the Highlands to check out some cool shops. Their dumplings are the perfect comfort food and it is one of my new favorite spots. Dinner would be at Avanti, a food hall with a fun rooftop and and ton of different cuisines.

On day three, we’d drive up to Georgetown for a hike on the Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail, where the views are breathtaking. After the hike, we’d have a meal at The Alpine Restaurant and Bar, a dog-friendly spot perfect for people-watching, and then explore some local stores in town. We’d return to Denver in the evening for some nightlife at Meadowlark and grab a slice at Redeemer Pizza next door

Day four would start with a visit to Red Rocks, a must-see no matter the season. In the afternoon, we’d explore Lair o’ the Bear Park near Evergreen for a hike, then stop by Kiki’s Bowls for lunch and JP’s Farm Stand to pick up some fresh produce. We’d come back to Denver and check out Uchi, which offers a great happy hour every day of the week.

For the remaining days, we’d spend time exploring more of Denver’s vibrant food scene, visiting museums, or taking a trip to another nearby mountain town. If it is winter season, this could be a great opportunity to go up to the mountains for skiing or tubing for the day. Some food spots I’d recommend include Uchi, Park Burger, and Fish and Beer. For drinks, Pon Pon, Thin Man, and Improper City offer diverse atmospheres—whether you’re into eclectic art, cozy bars, or dog-friendly patios. On weekends, I love strolling through farmers markets and taking sunset walks around City Park, the perfect way to unwind and soak in the beauty of Denver.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my family for their endless support. I also want to thank Amanda Woodard and Barbara Hernandez at Original Path Counseling.

Website: https://denvercounseling.com/about/therapists/amanda-bickel-msw-lsw/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.lsw.co/

Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/amanda-bickel-centennial-co/1216762

Image Credits
1. Headshots by Colorado Arts Productions

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