I’m Dr. Amber Norwood and I'm a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania. I’m glad you’re here. Making the decision to pursue a therapeutic relationship demonstrates an investment in your wellness and a willingness to do the work to get there. You have many responsibilities in life and likely wear many hats, so it’s important that therapy is accessible, effective, and meaningful. I work with clients through a teletherapy-only practice, which allows you to participate in our work together from any quiet, confidential space. I strive to create an affirming and safe space for individuals from all walks of life and happily welcome clients of all income levels, abilities, gender identities, faiths, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. In our work together, I will take the time to listen and get to know you, your history, your values, and your goals. My primary areas of clinical expertise and competence are in the treatment of adults across the lifespan with a focus on life transitions and self-compassion, anxiety, depression, anger management, health behavior change (e.g., substance use, weight, health management) and general health, such as coping with a new medical diagnosis, medical care giving, disease prevention, medical and psychiatric dual diagnoses, infertility, family planning, aging, illness anxiety, and navigating other health-related concerns. My specific treatment approaches typically draw from acceptance-based modalities such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion-focused therapy (CFT). I also draw on traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills where necessary. It has been my experience that therapy is most effective when the use of these specific approaches is tailored to each individual client’s goals and values. Each of these approaches is geared toward helping you to make clear, focused change toward a more connected, healthy way of living.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Clients can expect a transparent, warm interaction on our first visit. This is an opportunity for you to get to know me and determine if we will be a good fit for your particular concerns.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
As a therapist, I am genuine and transparent. You will always know where you stand in our work together and I find that this stance will model the kind of healthy relationship skills needed to navigate any interpersonal experience. Another strength I have is in measuring change in the therapy relationship; I want you to have sources of data that let you know you're heading down the path that makes sense for you.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
life transition challenges, adjustment to motherhood, pregnancy and postpartum related experiences, self-compassion and growth, health behavior change, addiction, anger management, anxiety, depression, illness anxiety
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I primarily work from an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework. So many of the thoughts and feelings that 'hook' us and make it hard to be present aren't irrational or illogical, yet we can still benefit from skills to help us 'unhook' and get anchored in the present moment. I utilize this treatment approach to help you make space and get connected with what's most important to you.