Amy Makice, founder of the Bloomington Center for Connection, is a licensed relational-cultural therapist based in Bloomington, Indiana. Her work is rooted in a passion for relational well-being and social justice.
I believe connection is the foundation of healing and the key to meaningful change. If isolation is the glue that holds pain, shame, and oppression in place, then therapy can be a space where those bonds are gently undone. Even when clients are unsure of the next step, we can ask together: does this choice shine light or deepen isolation? RCT allows us to explore these questions with integrity and care, creating relationships where both the client and therapist are moved and changed. It’s through these growth-fostering connections—where authenticity, mutuality, and compassion thrive—that we begin to heal not only the individual but the larger communities around us. Therapy becomes a microcosm for the kind of world we want to build: one rooted in courageous vulnerability, love, and authenticity.
Therapeutic Services
Amy offers a wide range of therapeutic services, including:
- Individual Therapy: Amy provides trauma-responsive therapy for all ages. Her approaches and trainings include
- Advanced Relational-Cultural Therapy
- Playful approaches to anxiety with Lawrence Cohen
- Collaborative Problem-Solving for families
- Sand Tray therapy
- Intergenerational family intensives
- Clinical Supervision: As the clinical supervisor of the Bloomington Center for Connection (BCC), Amy ensures that all therapists under her guidance are equipped with the skills and support they need to provide evidence-based, growth-fostering therapy. She finds great joy in witnessing the growth and development of fellow therapists.
- Consulting: Amy also offers consulting services for businesses and organizations that aim to foster deeper, more equitable connections within their teams.
Relational-Cultural Training
Amy is deeply invested in the training and dissemination of Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT). Her services in this area include:
- Workshops and Training: Amy conducts workshops and training sessions on RCT, sharing her extensive knowledge and experience to help others understand and apply the principles of this transformative theory.
- Supervision: In addition to therapy, Amy provides RCT clinical supervision, helping other professionals integrate RCT into their practices.
Advocacy and Social Justice
Amy is on a lifelong quest to learn about and address the impact of oppression, societal hierarchies, and marginalization. She is committed to dismantling systems that benefit the few at the expense of the many, acknowledging that this work is a continuous and humbling journey.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Amy co-facilitates the Psychotherapy Affinity Group (PAG), sponsored by the International Center for Growth in Connection (ICGC). She plays a pivotal role in bringing Relational Summits to Bloomington, which feature distinguished guests and explore a wide range of topics. Together with Meenaxi Palaniappan, she facilitates training for clinicians interested in learning more about RCT.
Professional History
Amy’s professional journey began in 1992, providing advocacy and care for the LGBTQ+ community. She has been a clinical social worker since 1995, continuously serving the mental health needs of individuals and families. She has been director of the BCC since 2017.
Invitation
Amy invites you to embark on a transformative journey of connection, growth, and empowerment. She believes that healing begins with slowing down and being present, and that together, within the context of a growth-fostering relationship, it is possible to transform trauma, hurt, and fear.
