Why
The ancient stories of Atlantis, the mythical island first mentioned by Plato in his dialogues have captivated the imagination of people for centuries. These stories are deeply symbolic and serve as powerful metaphors that relate to therapy and personal growth. The following is just a few of the reasons this practice is named after the mythical city of Atlantis…
Atlantis?
The Fall of Atlantis
The story of Atlantis centers around a powerful, highly advanced civilization that ultimately falls because of its own arrogance and moral decay.
The tale of Atlantis can serve as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and humility in therapy. Often, clients may struggle with denying their emotional or psychological issues, thinking they can "handle it all" alone, or avoiding their vulnerability. Therapy invites individuals to confront these inner blind spots, face uncomfortable truths, and humble themselves enough to ask for help. Like the fall of Atlantis, when we ignore our emotional health or fail to acknowledge destructive patterns, the consequences can be dire.
The Lost Wisdom of Atlantis: Rediscovering Ourselves
According to legend, Atlantis excelled in wisdom, technology, and spirituality. After its fall, much of this wisdom was lost forever, submerged in the depths of the ocean. In some versions of the myth, individuals who survived the fall went on to teach the survivors of other cultures, passing on the lost wisdom.
In therapy, clients often embark on a journey of rediscovery. Like the myth of Atlantis, we sometimes lose touch with our inner wisdom, passions, and strengths due to trauma, life challenges, or cultural conditioning. Therapy helps clients "dive deep" into their unconscious mind and rediscover lost or buried parts of themselves, their true desires, and their inherent strengths.
The Sinking: Transformation and Crisis
The sinking of Atlantis was a catastrophic event that led to the destruction of what was once known. Although this destruction opened the Atlanteans to monumental grief and mourning of the future they had hoped for. It also started the next chapter in the story of Atlantis. It was a new beginning, which cleared space for new growth and possibilities.
In therapy, personal crises—whether through grief, trauma, or significant life changes—can feel like a personal "sinking" of Atlantis. A crisis can shake a person’s sense of self, identity, and the structures they once relied upon. While such crises may be devastating, they also can provide ground for transformation. Therapy helps clients process this "destruction" and use it as an opportunity to rebuild their sense of self, values, and life direction.
Atlantis And The Search for Meaning
The legend of Atlantis often inspires a search for meaning—people want to uncover the truth of what happened to this mysterious civilization, believing that discovering Atlantis can unlock hidden knowledge about humanity’s past. This desire for knowledge is often tied to the human search for deeper meaning and purpose in life.
Just as many are captivated by the mystery of Atlantis, people in therapy often seek a deeper understanding of their life’s purpose or the meaning behind their struggles. Therapy provides a space to explore one’s identity, values, and what drives them, helping individuals connect with their own sense of meaning. Just like explorers searching for Atlantis, therapy can be a journey of self-discovery, where clients unearth truths about their core values, desires, and purpose in life.
About Me…
Hello, I’m Amanda Stenzel-Loucks, and I’m the owner and therapist here at Atlantis Counseling! I’m so glad you’ve found your way here! As a Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children and 5 years of experience in the mental health realm, I’m committed to helping children, adolescents, individuals, and families navigate life’s challenges and move toward healing and growth.
I have a passion for helping those who have or are currently experiencing religious trauma. (For more information about Religious Trauma please check out the “Services” section.) This desire is generated from my own experiences deconstructing my religious upbringing, processing my sexuality, fighting for my rights, and trying to understand my faith and time spent earning my bachelors degree in Youth and Family Ministry at Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Missouri.
My Approach
I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solutions-Focused Therapy, depending on your individual needs. My goal is to create a non-judgmental, safe environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life.
Whether you’re looking to heal from past wounds, build better coping strategies, or gain clarity around life transitions, I believe that every person has the capacity for growth, and my role is to walk alongside you in that process.
