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.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Clients can expect that they will better understand themselves and tap into their own unique strengths through our work together. I strongly believe that therapy is a unique and important relationship. It is a relationship you enter because you want something to change; the way you see yourself, the way you see the world, your behaviors, your relationships, etc. Whatever changes you're looking for, we will be sure to track progress in a way that reassures you you're on the right path.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I draw from a wide range of clinical approaches which are connected in that they are all in the acceptance-based and cognitive behavioral realm; that is, we'll look at the way you think and your actions to better understand where you're stuck. Beyond this, I will use different specific modalities depending on the needs of the particular client and their goals. Possible modalities include ACT, compassion-focused therapy, traditional CBT, DBT-inspired approaches, or some combination of these.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
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.
Describe the client(s) you are 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