Healing Relationships, Trauma, & Empowering Authentic Lives

As a clinical psychologist, author, and trauma expert, I guide parents and adults toward greater ease and joy.

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My mission is simple:

to help you find more

joy, contentment,

peace, and wellness

These are the things you need to show up in the ways you desire—as a parent, partner, family member, colleague, or friend.

I work specifically with parents and adults who desire holistic strategies and sound therapeutic guidance to thrive while balancing the demands and joys of life. My goal is to help you finally prioritize your wellness and mental health so that you can show up as the authentic, loving, and strong person you desire to be.

As a wife, mama of 2, doctor, and entrepreneur, I understand what it's like to put yourself last and struggle with burnout. I'm passionate about helping people like you, because I'm determined to shift the paradigm of mental health for parents and mothers.

There are so many strong helpers out there championing the same cause, so here are a few reasons why working with me will be a different experience:

1

I have active credentials as a Clinical Psychologist.

2

I can relate to the struggle of parenthood today as a mom, wife, and busy millennial.

3

I work carefully with all parents while specifically centering the needs of millennials, high-achieving women, and Black mothers.

Dr. Amber helps parents and adults heal from relational and childhood trauma so they can live with more ease, joy, and connection. She’s the author of A Parent’s Guide to Self-Regulation and a nationally recognized expert in parenting, intergenerational trauma and family wellness therapy.

Dr. Amber is based in Washington, DC. and provides psychotherapy services across 40+ U.S. states.

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core values

non-judgement

 I create spaces where people can be fully seen and supported without shame, blame, or fear of judgment.

healing

My work is rooted in helping others break cycles, nurture wounds, and build emotional wellness that lasts.

authenticity

I lead with honesty and realness, honoring the truth of each person’s experience—mine included.

empowerment

I guide people toward reclaiming their voice, power, and agency—especially in spaces where they’ve been silenced.

vulnerability

I believe healing begins when we allow ourselves to be open, honest, and human, even when it’s hard.

joy

I center joy as a form of resistance, restoration, strength, and an essential part of emotional wellness.

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THERAPY & PARENT COACHING

I offer adult therapy services and parent coaching, providing a safe space where you can address various mental health concerns. Through a collaborative process, I help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve relationships, and cultivate personal growth.

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SPEAKING

I deliver engaging talks, workshops, and presentations combining clinical expertise with a personable approach. My presentations provide valuable insights and practical tools to enhance emotional well-being, manage stress effectively, strengthen family bonds, and cultivate fulfilling relationships.

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A PARENT’S GUIDE
TO SELF-REGULATION

Discover tools and techniques for managing emotions, reactions, and behavior in this friendly, evidence-based book designed especially to help and support struggling, overstressed parents.

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  • “Before working with Dr. Amber, I felt like I was drowning. It changed my life and reminded me of all things that gave me joy. I was doing so much for everybody around me but was not doing anything for me.”

  • "I recently attended Dr. Thornton’s workshop, From Reactivity to Response: Equipping Parents with Effective Emotional Regulation Skills, and it exceeded my expectations. Dr. Thornton's clear and engaging style made complex concepts easy to understand and apply. The well-structured session included real-life examples, interactive exercises, and personalized feedback, all of which deepened my understanding and skills. The practical tools I gained from this workshop are invaluable both professionally and personally. It’s an experience I highly recommend for anyone looking to enhance emotional regulation, especially parents, caregivers, mental health providers, educators. "

  • "Dr. Amber has a strong ability to support and connect with mom's seeking solutions. She is respected both as a clinician and a colleague. Overall, she provides a wealth of solid clinical knowledge!"

  • "Dr. Amber Thornton delivered a dynamic, insightful presentation on parent dysregulation for the Adolescent and Family Services team at The Family Institute. Grounded in the principles of her book, A Parent’s Guide to Self-Regulation, she offered a clear, practical framework for understanding and addressing emotional dysregulation in parents. Her engaging style, clinical expertise, and use of real-world examples empowered therapists with actionable strategies to support parents in managing their emotions and improving their parenting. The presentation was highly valued for its relevance, clarity, and immediate applicability in clinical practice."

  • “When you work with Dr. Amber for Parent Coaching, you’ll find a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore the challenges and questions that come with raising children. With authenticity, warmth, and deep clinical expertise, Dr. Amber helps you untangle patterns, understand your stress responses, and respond to your child with more calm and clarity. These sessions are not about perfection — they’re about healing, growing, and becoming a more empowered and joyful version of yourself as a parent. Together, you’ll uncover tools and insights that honor both your vulnerability and your strength.”

  • "Dr. Thornton is a very skilled and intentional Psychologist aiding clients to reach treatment goals. She is amazing to collaborate with when working with adolescents and families. Dr. Thornton is a great resource for client-centered trauma-informed care."

  • “Dr. Amber’s Monthly Parent Workshop Series is a supportive, judgment-free space for parents who want to raise emotionally healthy children while also doing their own healing work. Each month, Dr. Amber guides parents through real conversations about emotional regulation, breaking generational patterns, and building strong, connected relationships with their children. Rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and joy, these workshops offer practical tools, meaningful reflection, and community with other growth-minded parents. Whether you’re navigating everyday stress or deeper family dynamics, you’ll leave feeling seen, supported, and more equipped to parent with intention.”

DISCLAIMER: The information provided throughout www.dramberthornton.com is for educational and informational purposes only. Using or seeking information from this website does not establish a therapeutic relationship between you and Dr. Amber Thornton. Communication of any form with Dr. Amber Thornton does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Therefore, communication with Dr. Amber Thornton or any information you provide via this website is not privileged or confidential. Any and all services rendered by Dr. Amber Thornton Consulting, LLC should not be considered therapeutic services and do not establish a therapeutic relationship.