Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Boyd, LMFT.
Hi Amber, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Amber Boyd, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I was born and raised in Oakland, CA, and now call Houston, TX, my home. My counselor deeply influenced my path to becoming a therapist during my youth, whose unwavering support inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others.
Despite facing various challenges throughout my upbringing, I was fortunate to connect with exceptional educators who played pivotal roles in my development. One of the most significant influences was my middle school principal, Mrs. Mary Ester Augustine, who later became my high school counselor. Her office was a sanctuary where I sought solace from academic and personal issues. She always encouraged me to channel my energy into productive endeavors, helping me to excel beyond my expectations. Her belief in my potential allowed me to enter unfamiliar spaces and succeed.
Mrs. Augustine’s support was crucial during my college application process. When I doubted my ability to apply to prestigious universities, she sternly yet lovingly urged me to apply. Thanks to her encouragement, I went to the University of California, Berkeley, and was awarded a scholarship. Right after my family, she was the first person I wanted to share the good news with.
In college, I minored in education and earned credits through independent study. Considering a career in education or school counseling, I asked Mrs. Augustine if I could assist her for a semester. She agreed, and during that time, I gained invaluable insights into her work and her remarkable ability to support students. She challenged me to think bigger, suggesting I explore Marriage and Family Therapy to reach a broader audience. Her recommendation letters played a crucial role in my acceptance into the Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Program at Syracuse University.
To this day, I am profoundly grateful for Mrs. Augustine’s guidance through the various stages of my life. She consistently reminded me of my talents and potential to make a difference. This vision inspired me to start my private practice, Healing Through Authenticity, PLLC, in 2019. I aim to create a space for genuine healing, especially for clients of color. I am committed to honoring those who have supported me by continuing to share my light and ability with others.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth. As a perfectionist with a deep fear of failure and a challenging relationship with anxiety, I often doubted my abilities. Despite evidence to the contrary, self-doubt led me to believe that my achievements were accidental or simply the result of others’ kindness, leaving me unsure if I truly deserved them. Receiving accolades or compliments took a lot of work, particularly after college and graduate school, where I was told I underperformed in areas like college-level writing and statistics. There were moments in academic settings when I felt like the biggest imposter. Although I still grapple with imposter syndrome, my relationship with it has evolved. I’ve come to accept that I will never know everything, and that’s okay. I strive to show up as my most authentic self, openly acknowledging what I don’t know and sharing what I do. I consistently remind myself that I belong and believe in my abilities.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I run a telehealth private practice called Healing Through Authenticity, PLLC. The driving force behind starting my practice was to normalize and destigmatize mental health support within communities of color, all while maintaining authenticity. My goal is to equip the current generation with previously inaccessible tools. I approach my work with honesty, transparency, and empathy, and I am passionate about the impact I can make.
My practice focuses on addressing the generational layers of trauma that affect the physical and emotional systems, often leading to anxiety, depression, and difficulties in setting boundaries. These areas form the foundation of my work. Additionally, I specialize in supporting individuals considering bariatric (weight loss) surgery, helping them navigate the emotional, psychological, and social changes that accompany this physical transformation with a 5-week program that is structured from the book that I wrote with the same name, “Preparing For Your Bariatric Journey.”
I am also an author, program facilitator, and podcast host. Inspired by my bariatric surgery in June 2021, I created a journal/workbook, “Preparing For Your Bariatric Journey: A Journal/Workbook To Document Your Process,” available on Amazon. This resource allows bariatric patients to explore and document essential aspects of their journey. I am also a contributing author in the anthology “Girl, Be Self-ISH: Learning to Embrace Your Rhythm of Self Care,” my chapter focuses on my health journey and desire to break cycles!
My monthly podcast, “Moments of Authenticity,” delves into topics discussed in my therapy sessions and conversations with colleagues, friends, and family. It’s available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, offering listeners insights and discussions on mental health and authenticity. I am immensely proud of the brand I have built and am committed to providing genuine, impactful support to my clients. Healing Through Authenticity, PLLC stands out because of its dedication to transparency, empathy, and the unique focus on serving communities of color and bariatric patients. My mission is to create a safe space for healing and growth, helping clients navigate their journeys with confidence and resilience.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am currently accepting new adult individual clients in California and Texas, as well as new participants for my program, “Preparing For Your Bariatric Journey!” I am also accepting speaking engagements specifically around the following topics:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Setting and Maintaining Boundaries
- Standing in Your Authenticity
- Examining Generational Trauma
- Establishing Work/Life Balance
- Biopsychosocial Perspective of Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amberboydtherapy.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/healingthroughauthenticity
- Facebook: facebook.com/healingthroughauthenticity
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-boyd-ma-lmft-12799065/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@amberboydlmft?si=-UWDL_guGHpRq3KQ
