LPC, 7 years of experience
Hi there! My name is Amber and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Virginia. I received my undergraduate degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and my Masters of Social Work from Simmons University in Boston Massachusetts. I have 7 years of clinical experience working with various populations in the Richmond and surrounding areas. I have worked within the community setting with children, adolescents, families, adults, and therapeutic groups for the first 5 years in the field of mental health. Using a person centered and culturally sensitive approach, my objective is to assist others identify healthy ways to manage their stress, anxiety and depression.
In our first session together, you can expect a few different things, primarily starting with brief introductions, which then will lead into exploring your reason for wanting to connect to therapy. This will assist me with tailoring a plan to help us work on together in follow up sessions. Finally we will review the needed paperwork and discuss the frequency of sessions.
A big strength of mine is ensuring that each client feels heard, and is provided a safe and supportive environment throughout their session. It is important to me that each client feel respected and provided a safe space to express themselves and their vulnerabilities.
I am best positioned to support adults who may be navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, family stressors, or the impact of trauma. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by daily stress, struggling with difficult emotions, or seeking healing and growth, I strive to provide a safe and supportive space where we can work together toward your goals at a pace that feels right for you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective approach that helps individuals explore the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, CBT empowers individuals to gain a healthier perspective on themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. While this process can be challenging at times, it is a powerful tool for managing anxiety, reshaping negative thought patterns, and fostering lasting change. In my experience, clients who actively engage in this process—both during sessions and in their daily lives—experience the greatest growth and progress. My goal is to provide a supportive and collaborative environment where you feel empowered to challenge limiting beliefs and develop strategies for a more fulfilling and balanced life.
In therapy, I take an evidence-based and personalized approach, drawing from a variety of effective therapeutic methods to best support your unique needs. I incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Reality Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, and EMDR. I also use trauma-informed care, strength-based strategies, and multicultural perspectives to ensure therapy is tailored to you. Depending on your goals, I may integrate art therapy, play therapy, or other creative and holistic approaches. My goal is to provide a supportive, collaborative, and empowering space where you feel heard, understood, and equipped with the tools to navigate life’s challenges.