Michelle Amber

You’re doing everything you can to help your child—and still, it feels like you’re falling short.

Maybe your child was recently diagnosed with a chronic illness or neurodevelopmental disorder, and suddenly the world feels upside down. Or maybe things have been building for a while: their energy is low, their grades are slipping, they’re pulling away from friends—and you’re left wondering what happened to the bright, curious child you know. 

You’ve seen specialist after specialist, done all the research, followed every recommendation, and still feel terrified by the uncertainty of the future. You're not alone in that.

I work with kids, teens, and families navigating the stress that comes with health challenges, trauma, and neurodivergence, all while growing up in the midst of it all. I know how heartbreaking it must be to watch your child struggle, to want so badly to make it better but not know how. 

You want tools, you want clarity, and you want your child to feel more like themselves again. That’s where I come in.

My Background & Approach

In our work together, my main priority is helping your child feel seen and heard. We’ll explore how their mind and body are connected, and help them learn how to care for themselves in ways that feel empowering and actually doable. Kids don’t have a lot of say in their lives in general, and adding a chronic illness or disorder on top of that can create an even greater sense of helplessness. That’s why the goal is always to give them back some sense of control, through things like letting them choose how we spend our sessions or talking about their interests.

For parents, I’ll walk with you every step of the way—arming you with knowledge and practical tools, offering insight into your child’s experience, and helping you build the kind of connection and support your child needs. We’ll talk about how physical health affects mental health, and discuss how you can best show up for your child when they’re struggling in either capacity. Sometimes, we might meet with the whole family present to work through how these issues are affecting the unit.

I’ve worked in treatment centers, school-based settings, and private practice, and I’ve also lived with an autoimmune condition myself. I know how exhausting it is to fight for answers and support. I’m not here to offer one-size-fits-all solutions. I want to understand your life, your values, and your hopes for your family. I genuinely care about this work—I’ve known I wanted to do it since I was a teenager myself—and when we work together, you’ll never question the deep-rooted compassion I have for you and your child.

I earned my BA in Psychology from the University of Southern California, with a minor in Occupational Science, and my MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. My work is informed by training in Brainspotting, EMDR, DBT, and somatic-based approaches—and by the kids and families I’ve been lucky enough to support so far. I’m here to empower you and your child to find your way forward, together.