Amber Riley, CT

Clinical Therapist Intern

We all have a story to tell. Sometimes it seems we get lost in the details and instead of being able to control how the story goes; we allow the story to detail our reality. After all, experience is a strong teacher, and it is a powerful enforcer when it comes to how individuals relate to everyday life. My goal as a counselor is to show clients how to take change into their own hands to tear down problematic scenarios and rebuild new stories that create a healthy home and atmosphere where they can reach their full potential of being a healthy, functional couple and/or family. 

 I have years of experience working with and mentoring youth, young adults, and couples from various backgrounds and different stages of need through church and other non-profit organizations. I expanded on these skills through education which has helped me realize that I naturally possess the skills needed to be successful in the effective counsel of my clients. Helping others is more than my passion but a calling and my purpose.  

I am currently a Counselor Trainee, completing my Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in Couple Therapy, at Northcentral University. I also hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Care Management from Franklin University, as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Full Sail University.  

My approach to counseling is systemic and strength-based. I utilize interventions from models such as narrative therapy, emotion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and structural family therapy, among others. I specialize in blended families realizing they are not comprised the same as the traditional family and have specialized needs for healthy functioning.