At Insight Recovery Treatment Center, we know that true healing is nurtured by those who lead with both expertise and heart. Today, we are honored to feature Amy McBrine, our Primary Therapist—a creative, compassionate force whose work integrates clinical skill with holistic practices, guiding clients toward rediscovering their whole selves.
From Personal Healing to a Professional Promise
Amy McBrine’s path to becoming a therapist was forged in the fires of her own recovery. Her work is not just a profession but the fulfillment of a deeply personal promise—a commitment to being the person she needed when she was first navigating the challenges of healing. This lived experience is the bedrock of her practice, allowing her to connect with clients from a place of genuine understanding and shared humanity.
“What first sparked my interest in helping people with addiction was my own journey through recovery,” Amy shares. “I know firsthand what it feels like to be lost, ashamed, and unsure if healing is even possible. When I started getting well, I made a promise to be the person I always needed when I was in early recovery. That promise is what keeps me passionate every single day—showing up with love, honesty, and compassion, and walking alongside others as they discover who they really are beneath the pain.”
This profound empathy allows Amy to create a therapeutic space free of judgment and full of potential. She doesn’t just see clients as diagnoses or problems to be solved; she sees them as individuals with unique stories, strengths, and the inherent capacity to heal. Her personal journey serves as a quiet reminder that transformation is possible and that even from the most difficult moments, a life of purpose and connection can emerge.
A Mission of Mind, Body, and Spirit
Amy’s philosophy is a seamless reflection of Insight Recovery’s core mission: to support healing through authentic connection and compassion. She believes that recovery is not a one-dimensional process but a holistic journey that involves the mind, body, and spirit. It is this belief that shapes her innovative and deeply personalized approach to care.
“Insight’s mission to support healing through connection and compassion resonates deeply with me—not just as a clinician, but as someone who’s lived it,” says Amy. “This is a place where we meet people where they’re at, not where we wish they’d be. I love working here because we don’t just treat addiction—we treat people. I get to live out Insight’s mission by creating spaces that are safe, empowering, and grounded in empathy.”
In her day-to-day work, Amy brings this philosophy to life by integrating creative and embodied practices into the clinical setting. She recognizes that for many, words are not enough to process trauma and pain. By incorporating yoga, Reiki, and art therapy, she offers clients new languages through which to explore their experiences and connect with their inner worlds.
“My approach to helping clients is rooted in the belief that recovery is about mind, body, and spirit,” she explains. At the heart of it all is presence. “I believe in holding space, not fixing,” Amy notes. This empowers clients to find their own answers, building a foundation of self-trust and resilience that is crucial for long-term well-being.
A Diverse Background in Holistic Healing
Amy’s ability to offer such a multifaceted approach is backed by extensive training and a diverse skill set. Her credentials provide a unique blend of traditional therapeutic knowledge and holistic wellness practices.
Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC II). Her expertise is further enriched by her qualifications as a licensed art therapy practitioner, her Reiki Level 1 certification, and the completion of a 200-hour yoga certification.
With experience in the substance use field dating back to 2009, Amy brings over a decade of wisdom and more than four years of dedicated work supporting individuals with substance use disorders. This powerful combination of clinical understanding and holistic modalities allows her to offer comprehensive, creative, and truly individualized care.
A Unique and Authentic Contribution
What Amy brings to the Insight Recovery team is more than just her impressive credentials; it’s her spirit, authenticity, and unwavering belief in the power of human connection. She fosters an environment where vulnerability is met with strength and where clients feel safe enough to be their true selves.
“What I bring to the Insight team is a blend of clinical skill, creative passion, and lived experience,” Amy says. “I’m deeply committed to making recovery feel human, hopeful, and yes—even fun. Whether I’m leading a group, doing one-on-one therapy, or guiding a meditation, I show up authentically and invite clients to do the same. I think my unique superpower is creating a vibe where people feel safe to be vulnerable and seen for who they really are.”
The results of this approach are transformative. The most rewarding part of her job, Amy shares, is “watching clients realize that they are worthy of love, even in their messiest moments.”
Looking Forward: Expanding the Vision of Healing
Amy is continually inspired by the potential for growth—both for her clients and for the programs at Insight Recovery. She is passionate about deepening the center’s commitment to holistic care and ensuring that every client has access to a rich tapestry of healing tools.
“I’m most excited about expanding the holistic part of our program—bringing more trauma-informed movement, energy healing, and expressive arts into our offerings,” she says. “I also plan to continue my own education so I can show up even more fully for our clients.”
This dedication captures the essence of her work. Her vision is clear and heartfelt, a goal she lives out daily with every client she meets. “My goal is always to arrive with love, hold space without judgment, and remind people that they are not broken—they are becoming.”
Connect with Our Team
Amy McBrine embodies the spirit of Insight Recovery: a commitment to treating the whole person with compassion, creativity, and profound respect for their journey. If you or someone you love is seeking a path to recovery that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit, we invite you to connect with us.
To learn more about our holistic programs or meet other members of our dedicated team, visit our About Us page or contact us today.
