Meet Amanda Walma | The Crafty Counselor – Creator and Counselor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Walma and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I began MI_CraftyCounselor as my own personal coping skill. I was counseling within a specialized program in an agency, and I learned quickly that I needed an outlet to cope with the trauma that I was hearing on a daily basis. I began wood burning as a grounding skill, using my 5 senses to calm my body and mind. Shortly after, I opened my Etsy shop to begin sharing my art as well as participating in markets in West Michigan. Over time, I realized how difficult the social media world was, and how it was negatively impacting so many. When I transitioned from agency work to private practice, I shifted my focus to the Crafty Counselor. While I still wood burn and create, I now get to provide additional mental health support, advocacy, and skills.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been in the counseling field for about 5 years and have been creating for many years as well. I’ve spent the majority of the time counseling underserved populations, working with unaccompanied minors and the Hispanic population. I use art and creating within my counseling techniques, knowing that creativity can be healing. The work that I’m doing on social media, creating a safe space for mental health and sharing coping skills is all free and I don’t receive any kickbacks. If I can help just one person on the internet, then the work I do is worth it. I have had my fair share of mental health and creative help to get me through difficult times in my life, and where I am today has everything to do with the difficulties I’ve experienced personally. I love working one on one with children, teens, and adults helping them through the most difficult times in their lives.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Eat: Derby Tavern in Jamestown, Butchers Union in GR, Ucellos, DJs pizza in Jamestown, The Mitten Brewery
Drink: 317 Coffee in Hudsonville, 5 lakes Brewery,
Small Businesses/Visit: Brick and Ivy in Holland, GR Public Museum, Dutch Village
Sights: Holland State Park Beach, Rosy Mound
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I work with SO many wonderful creators and counselors.
Creators: Abby Sytsma, owner of Loops and Tassels (@loopsandtassels). She is a kind hearted, thoughtful, eco-friendly maker and mama. She has been a HUGE support within my creative side!
Counselors: I work with Grand Rapids Counselors, which is owned by Kelly Ibarra. She is an amazing counselor and business owner! [email protected]
Instagram: @MI_CraftyCounselor
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-walma-ma-lpc-1968bb8b
Facebook: facebook.com/micraftycounselor
Image Credits
Ivory Keys Photography, Amanda Lucas Allie VanNamen Photography, Allie VanNamen (black turtleneck picture)
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