Amber Ruiz
New to Grow
In life, we all go through moments when we need support, clarity, and a safe place to explore what’s getting in the way. My goal is to offer a flexible, creative, and non-judgmental space where you can heal and understand yourself more deeply. I work with older teens, young adults, and individuals navigating big transitions—identity exploration, relationships, school, work, and the pressure of stepping into adulthood. I also support LGBTQIA2S+ clients and provide gender-affirming letters. My approach is collaborative and grounded in evidence-based practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Seeking Safety, and the Gottman Method for couples. I value meeting you where you are and using creativity, mindfulness, and curiosity to support your growth.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you want to change, and the goals that matter to you. Together, we’ll explore which therapeutic approach may fit best. I’ll also ensure that any immediate safety concerns or resource needs are addressed. Early on, we’ll create a clear plan so you feel confident about where we’re heading and how we’ll measure progress along the way.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Clients often tell me they feel safe being themselves with me. I take a calm, accepting, and flexible approach, allowing space for you to show up as you are. My style is collaborative rather than structured—I tune into what you need in the moment, offer mindfulness-based strategies, and welcome your feedback so we can shape therapy together.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work especially well with teens and young adults navigating transitions, stress, identity questions, relationship difficulties, and patterns that no longer feel helpful. Many clients come to me feeling stuck—caught between who they’ve been and who they want to become. Together, we’ll explore what matters most to you, understand the thoughts and feelings that get in the way, and build skills to help you move toward a more authentic and meaningful life.
Location
VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Get unstuck - start moving in the right direction. Once we explore what is valuable and important to us, we can then have the confidence to make decisions that will move us towards living a rich and meaningful life. This approach is based on the premise that life is in fact challenging and avoiding these challenges will keep giving you the same results. In therapy we will explore values and skills to unhook from unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to help you live more authentically.
Gottman method
According to Gottman research 69% of couple's problems are perpetual problems - rarely resolved and often ongoing - and this is in a healthy relationship. Communication and connection are key in building a lasting partnership. With the Gottman Method you explore love maps, learn how to respond in the aftermath of a fight, and find ways to communicate better with your partner. Gottman Method also has a newer intervention called "Bringing Baby Home." It helps address how to respond to change in family dynamics and relationship satisfaction.
Gender-affirming therapy
I feel passionate in serving LGBTQIA2S+ folks by providing letters for Gender Affirming Care and addressing the negative impacts of stigma and discrimination that this population experiences at a disproportionate level. Community is key. Getting support and staying connected helps us to live more authentically. Individual therapy can help with managing stress and unhelpful thoughts by learning cognitive coping skills and making life changes.