FAQs

Yes. IAT stands for Intentional Action Therapy, an action-oriented therapy model created by Amy Neufeld, a licensed therapist in Laguna Beach, California.

Intentional Action Therapy , or IAT, is an action-based therapy model created by Amy Neufeld. IAT blends nervous system regulation, behavioral repetition, and structured implementation to help clients create real, measurable change. Instead of focusing only on awareness, IAT translates clarity into daily action so patterns shift in real life.

IAT is for individuals who feel traditional talk therapy has been too passive or too slow, for those hesitant to try therapy or anyone who feels therapy hasn’t been the right fit in the past. IAT works well for people struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship patterns, boundaries, emotional reactivity, or feeling “stuck” despite doing personal growth work. It’s for those ready to move from insight into intentional action.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns.

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) teaches skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships.

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings while taking action aligned with their values.

IAT (Intentional Action Therapy) identifies and interrupts the deeper patterns driving behavior and replaces them with intentional action that creates change.

Intentional Action Therapy (IAT) looks beneath thoughts and emotions to the attachment experiences and nervous system responses shaping how people react, relate, and make decisions. Therapy then focuses on translating insight into structured, real-life actions that interrupt those patterns and create meaningful, lasting change.

We do a combination of therapy types in sessions, with IAT being the driving style.

Yes. Amy Neufeld is available for keynote speaking engagements, workshops, trainings, and professional events focused on Intentional Action Therapy, action-based mental health treatment, nervous system regulation, and sustainable behavior change.

Her presentations are designed for leadership teams, women’s groups, therapists, clinicians, and organizations seeking a structured, implementation-focused approach to personal growth and emotional health. Amy’s work challenges passive models of change and equips audiences with practical, repeatable tools they can apply immediately.

To inquire about booking Amy for a conference, corporate event, professional training, or workshop, please contact us through our contact page.

Yes. Amy Neufeld offers professional certification in Intentional Action Therapy for licensed therapists who want a more structured, action-oriented framework. IAT training focuses on implementation strategies, nervous system integration, behavioral repetition, and helping clients move from insight to sustainable change. Therapists interested in certification or training opportunities can contact Amy on the contact page to learn about upcoming programs.

Sessions combine insight, pattern awareness, and intentional action. Together, we identify the patterns shaping your reactions, relationships, and decision-making, often rooted in attachment experiences and nervous system responses.

From there, we translate that awareness into practical, real-life steps designed to interrupt those patterns. Sessions are thoughtful and collaborative, but also structured and forward-moving, helping you apply what you learn directly in your everyday life.

Intentional Action Therapy may be a good fit if you find yourself repeating the same patterns in relationships, reactions, or decisions, even when you understand why they happen. Many people come to IAT after feeling that traditional talk therapy provided insight but didn’t lead to lasting change.

IAT is designed for people who want to understand their patterns more deeply and take intentional steps to shift them in real life.