Personalized Coaching with Dr. Amanda Morris
The Forgotten Stage in the “Trust the Science” Movement and Why You Should Care.
Spoiler alert. You don’t have to be a scientist to understand the scientific method.
Over the past year we have been witness to the many layers of science and have watched with a close eye, how the process of the scientific method plays out. Unless you are in a field that involves this process, chances are you have not thought about it since grade school. For a refresher, the scientific method is a process for experimentation. It helps us explore observations and answer questions. It can be thought of as a series of steps.
In short, it should look similar to this:
-Make an observation
-Ask a question
-Research
-Construct a hypothesis
-Test-(so many steps here)
-Analyze data
-Form conclusions
-Communicate/Collaborate
-Repeat
Although these steps are linear, the process is not. Not only has a consensus about the origin and effectiveness of treatments regarding the current virus not been reached, there are multiple hypotheses, by many highly credentialed scientists and educated individuals, looking into the cause, continuation, and effectiveness of treatments regarding the pandemic. This alone, is an obvious reason as to why we should all be questioning the science.
The results that have come out of “shot” trials are extremely fresh. It may be years, if not decades, before fully knowing the risks and benefits across multiple cultures, age groups and health conditions. This is exactly why questioning is part of the scientific method. In addition, this science experiment directly involves you, your community, family and children. You have an ethical responsibility to question everything! You also deserve a respectful response with objective, factual information, in return from those is a position of power.
Unfortunately, phrases such as “Thank G for science.” “Oh do you have a degree?” “Let me guess, Dr. Google.” “Trust the science.” “Let me guess, anti- (fill in the blank here),” have been used to shame the general public into believing that they do not have an obligation nor right to actually question the science. Ironically, many celebrities who do not have degrees in epidemiology or based in science, appear to be using their fame to reinforce these messages.
We are existing in a culture that would have you believe you need a panel of fact checkers to decide what information you should be aloud to read and question. This very process of filtering out information directly goes against the process of true science. If you happen to be someone who is curious and has questions about the effectiveness of treatment and possible side effects, you are often labeled as a “conspiracist,” “uncooperative,” or “uneducated.” These words are coercive and meant to guilt and shame you into submission. There has also been a push to divide those who question into certain political camps. There is nothing political about asking a question. Do not fall for this. There is nothing selfish, odd or difficult about asking basic questions when it comes to your freedoms and making potentially life altering decisions regarding your physical and mental health. It should also be noted that those below the poverty line, which includes a high proportion of marginalized communities, are less likely to advocate for themselves in a doctor’s office and are more likely to follow directive even if it may harm them. Considering our government and medical establishment's history, this is a valid concern. So if you fall into this category, know that I see you and acknowledge this process will be even more challenging for you.
Another overlooked part of the scientific method is intuition. Yes, I said intuition. Intuition is in fact part of science and we all have the ability to listen to our intuition. A major role of intuition is to provide a concept of which direction research should take. It also provides a barometer to wether or not we need to ask more questions, conduct more research and collaborate in more depth.
Science in NEVER FINAL. External factors are always changing which will always impact medicine. Subjects are also always changing and evolving, as should the study and science around physical & mental health. Imagine if in the 1840’s it was not allowed to ask the question- Can hand washing reduce the spread of disease? This question (a practice already common in many cultures before studies were formally conducted) lead to confirmation, through the scientific method, that in fact, yes, hand washing is considered one of the most effective ways to prevent and stop disease. Ironically, this questioning lead to the practice currently being touted by the CDC as one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of this current virus. Remember this the next time you are told to be quiet and trust the science.
If you are feeling shamed, stuck, silenced, confused, worried or any other less than emotion here are a few tips to help you.
- Trust yourself. It does not matter if you have never trusted yourself, you can start today.
- Know you are not alone. It may come down to you, your source energy/higher power in the room, but you are enough. You can add me to your corner and you will never be alone.
- Educate yourself and others as much as you see fit. There is not law, yet, about educating yourself about anything that impacts yourself or your family.
- You do not need to be an expert to have an opinion, thought or question.
- Not all experts have your best interest at heart. Consider funding sources of studies and those who disseminate them.
- You will always be the expert for your body and your child. It is a gift to have other experts in their field working in collaboration with you. The center of everyone’s circumstance, is themselves. This includes doctors and educators. They are part of your team, not above you.
- Observe what those in power are doing. Not what they are saying.
- You do not need to prove yourself to anyone. Spend time with those who make you you feel valued. Disengage from those those who make you feel shame, defensive, or afraid.
In health and happiness,
Dr. Amanda
Why now is the perfect time to return to the table. How to thrive during quarantine.
Dreading the pressure of New Year’s resolutions? Read my non-traditional guidelines to help you achieve success and have fun while doing it.
Starting over. I ran three miles about a month ago. It was rough. Some might say three miles is a great accomplishment but just 6 months earlier I had completed my goal of running a half marathon, pushing three little monsters in a triple stroller. My youngest daughter has just turned one and getting my health back was part of my postpartum goal. I was feeling strong, mentally healthy, and proud of myself for finishing the race. I never ran again. Not at all. Until last month.
There were a million valid reasons as to why I stopped running. When I saw the picture this morning that had been taken during my 5K it got me thinking about goals and reflecting on how happy I was that I wasn’t afraid to start over and set a new goal for myself. Goals do not always need to be big and it’s okay to stop and start again. If I would have become stuck in my whoa is me, feeling sorry for myself that I could no longer run one mile comfortably mode, I never would have taken to first step that lead me to this picture and the awesome memory with my kids. To me, the definition of failure is not trying. How about you?
Have you ever sabotaged a goal before you even started it? Told yourself that new year resolutions are not worth it because you never finish them anyway? Perhaps listed 5,000 reasons why you could never meet your goal before you put down one reason why you could? Are you afraid of failure so you tell yourself that you would rather not try to begin with? If any of these sound familiar, you are not alone. Before you give up on yourself and your goals consider the fact that feeling overwhelmed and discouraged is very normal but it doesn’t have to dictate your behavior.
There are a million tips available online for meeting your New Year’s goals but consider some of these helpful but uncommon tools to give yourself a head start this year.
Keep a positive growth mindset. Language can be an incredible tool for change, both positive and negative. How we define ourselves has a direct outcome on our behavior; so if we start our day viewing ourselves as a failure, there is only room for one outcome. Any guesses? Failure. Label yourself as a capable individual that WILL meet your goal.
Avoid all or nothing thinking. The best thing you can do for yourself is not to get stuck in common pitfalls of unhelpful thinking styles. An unhelpful thinking style is a label we apply to ourselves or a situation that is not based on fact, but we have decided it’s true regardless of contrary evidence. These thoughts are typically automatic and take work to reframe. Ask yourself if your thought is based on fact or opinion. Then see if there is another way of looking at the situation and consider an alternative viewpoint. For example, perhaps you didn’t meet your weekly goal, but did you keep a positive mindset? Did you complete 2 out of 5 days? Did you remain committed despite not meeting your weekly goals? Chances are you did make progress, you did not fail and you are closer to meeting your long-term goal.
Don’t get stuck in the past. Staying stuck in the past keeps us from moving forward. We become so focused on what went wrong that we don’t put enough emphasis into what can go right. It’s okay to reflect on past events but only to identify strengths and areas you can build off of and learn from to help you move forward.
When creating your goals use these tips to avoid setting unrealistic and unmeasurable goals.
1. Be very clear on your goal. Write it down. Break it down into steps that you will need to work up to your goal. Create an outline of steps you will take daily, weekly, and monthly and celebrate each level of success.
2. Don’t be afraid to redefine your goal once you get into it. Perhaps the way you originally wrote your goal doesn’t seem as important or isn’t as realistic; modify it. There is a fine line between justification for giving up on a goal that you can meet but choose not to put in the work versus a valid reason to modify it. Only you can truly know if you are selling yourself short.
3. Be clear on why you are choosing your goal. Is the goal really important to you or are you being influenced by the “should police?”
4. Visualize how it will feel when you meet your goal. Get out of your head and tap into a deeper sense of allowing and experiencing the visceral joy of meeting your goal. Tap into this feeling when you get discouraged or off track.
5. Keep others in mind when you start to feel selfish for taking the time to work on your goal. When we improve ourselves we automatically create a positive ripple effect in the world around us.
Show yourself some love and make a commitment to set a goal, or several goals this upcoming year. Feeling motivated? Start now. There is nothing that says you need to pick January 1st as your start date. Changing your habits is no easy task and challenging yourself to try something new for the benefit of health is a win regardless of the outcome. I may not have run 13 miles over Thanksgiving but I ran 3. My kids didn’t care what I used to be able to do, they cared where I was that day. They were in the moment celebrating my gift of freedom to work toward personal goals and experiencing an awesome morning with their Mom. I’m so happy that I was willing to accept where I was that day versus staying stuck where I came from!
How to indulge in more than just food this holiday season.
- Deep breaths. Stop, take a few slow breaths, proceed.
- “I can have it later.” Can you have this food later? If so try waiting 15 minutes, an hour, etc.. If you still want it have it but the pause will help decrease impulsive eating.
- Employ distraction. Take a break, walk away, start a conversation, basically don’t stand all night over your favorite dip and question why you can’t stop thinking about it.
- Savor it. Sit down, grab a plate, eat slowly, have fun, and enjoy.
- The one bite rule. Was it amazing? Have another bite. Not so much? It’s okay to stop. If it’s not worth it don’t keep eating!
https://coachingwithdramandamorris.blogspot.com/2018/05/hello-and-welcome-to-my-blog-thank-you.html

Hello and welcome to my blog! Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I am looking forward to connecting with you as I finally start to make time to share my knowledge on health and wellness.
I am a licensed psychotherapist, certified health coach & children's book author. I am passionate about human rights and sovereignty. I believe everyone should have the free will to determine what is best for themselves and their family, free of coercion and force. My degree means that I went to school to get a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degree in psychology and marriage and family therapy. I completed 3000 hours of clinical experience, passed two licensing exams, and have to complete 36 units of continuing education every two years to maintain my license. I hold my license in CA where we have some of the highest standards of education and licensing requirements in the nation. In addition, I have studied health and nutrition in depth. I am a certified health & wellness coach and have earned a certificate as a level one nutrition advisor from Sanoviv Functional Medical Institute. Last but definitely not least, I am honored to be a Whole30 Certified Coach. I am also a published children's book author. My content focuses on bringing all things health and wellness to our youth through age appropriate content and imagery.
You can find an expanded version of who I am and what I offer on my website at www.coachingwithdramandamorris.com. I am passionate about the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. It is through health that we set the foundation for ourselves, our families, and the world around us. Our wellness is the starting point for achieving our goals, whatever those may be.
Please check back soon for updated content.
In health and happiness.