She/Her
Background and Approach
CA Associate Registration #160152
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience across higher education, crisis response, and community mental health. My background includes leadership in student counseling, crisis management in emergency medical services, and over a decade working as a 911 dispatcher, where I developed expertise in crisis communication, de-escalation, and supporting individuals in high-stress and emergency situations.
My path into therapy was shaped by working closely with university students navigating stress, identity development, relationship challenges, and mental health concerns during critical periods of transition. These experiences, combined with my work in crisis systems, deepened my commitment to moving beyond intervention and toward prevention—supporting individuals earlier in their process to build resilience and long-term wellbeing.
My clinical approach is holistic, relational, and trauma-informed. I draw from evidence-based and experiential modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and solution-focused approaches, while integrating mindfulness, somatic awareness, and motivational interviewing. I tailor my work to each client’s needs, balancing insight-oriented exploration with practical strategies that support meaningful and sustainable change.
In my work, I support adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, identity development, and relational challenges. I also work with individuals experiencing high levels of stress related to academic, professional, and life transitions. Across all areas of practice, I prioritize creating a space that is warm, culturally responsive, and nonjudgmental, where clients feel supported in building self-awareness, strengthening relationships, and developing tools for long-term psychological wellbeing.
My work centers on adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, identity, and relational challenges, particularly within high-stress environments and major life transitions.
I draw from trauma-informed, relational, and evidence-based approaches including CBT, Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and solution-focused work, integrating mindfulness and motivational interviewing to support both insight and practical, sustainable change.
Focus Areas
and Expertise
Chronic Illness/Pain/Stress
Teens and Young Adults
Mental Health Diagnostic Assessments
Divorce/Mediation/ Custody/Blended Families
BIPOC Community
Identity & Culture Related Challenges
Systemic Racism
Women's Issues
High Impact Career Professionals & Burnout
Anxiety/Depression
Workplace Challenges
Family Problems
Self-Esteem
Immigration Court Evaluations (VAWA, U Visa, T Visa, Asylum, Extreme Hardship)
Relationship-driven trauma
Intimate Partner Violence
Credentials
I bring over 15 years of experience in crisis response and mental health, including leadership in student counseling and a decade in emergency dispatch and crisis communication. My clinical training includes CBT, Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Gottman-informed couples work.
CA Associate #160152
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Education:
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
National University
BS in Business Management
University of Phoenix
AS in Business Administration
Heald College
Trained in CBT
Trained in Narrative Therapy
Trained in Solution-Focused Therapy
Trained in Experiential Family Therapy
Trained in Crisis Intervention
POST/EMD Certified 911 Dispatcher
My Philosophy
My philosophy of care is grounded in intentionality, cultural humility, and trust. I believe that meaningful change happens when individuals feel safe, supported, and understood within a therapeutic relationship that honors their full identity, experiences, and context.
I approach therapy with a holistic lens, recognizing the interconnectedness of emotional, psychological, relational, and environmental factors in shaping wellbeing. I am especially mindful of how stress, trauma, and systemic experiences influence how individuals cope, communicate, and relate to themselves and others.
My work prioritizes collaboration, empowerment, and practical growth. I strive to create a space that is both supportive and goal-oriented, where clients can deepen self-awareness, build resilience, and develop sustainable strategies for navigating life’s challenges.
Ultimately, I believe each person has the capacity for growth and change. My role is to support clients in accessing their strengths, overcoming barriers, and creating a more balanced and meaningful life.
-Amber Childs, AMFT