Meet Dr. Amber Stewart, Ph.D.
Postdoc Psychological Associate | Supervised by Dr. Mariella Lauriola, Ph.D.
(she/her)
Postdoc Psychological Associate
About Dr. Amber
“Healing begins the moment you stop surviving and start remembering who you are.”
If you’ve spent years feeling like you have to hold it all together — the high-achiever who still feels unseen, the caregiver who’s quietly exhausted, or the survivor who’s learned to hide your pain behind strength — you’re not alone. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling trapped in old patterns of self-doubt, guilt, or fear. They’ve spent so long adapting to others’ expectations that they’ve lost sight of their own needs, voice, and authenticity. Together, we work to change that.
What it’s like to work together
I believe readiness for therapy doesn’t come from having all the answers — it begins with curiosity. You might find yourself wondering, “What if things could be different?” That question alone signals the start of healing. Clients often describe our sessions as a space where they feel both deeply seen and gently challenged — a place to reconnect with who they truly are, one insight and one act of self-compassion at a time.
Our work will balance exploration and action: slowing down enough to understand your emotions, and moving forward with strategies that bring relief and empowerment. Humor, reflection, and collaboration are central to how I connect — because laughter, even amid pain, reminds us that healing doesn’t erase our humanity; it expands it.
Therapy with me is about more than symptom relief — it’s about transformation. I see my role as both a gentle guide and a mirror, helping you uncover the parts of yourself that have been silenced by trauma, culture, or survival. My work draws heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches (i.e. EMDR, CPT, DBT, and Emotionally Focused Therapy). These tools empower you to understand how your past shapes your present — and to rewrite the beliefs that keep you feeling stuck.
My Background & Experience
If you’ve been carrying the weight of old stories — feeling unseen, unheard, or disconnected from your true self — I want you to know that change is possible. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you; it’s about reclaiming the parts of you that have always been whole.
Together, we’ll work to transform survival into strength, self-criticism into compassion, and silence into self-expression.
My clinical path has taken me through diverse hospital and medical settings, including VA Long Beach, VA Portland, Highland Hospital, the San Francisco VA, and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. These experiences shaped my expertise in trauma, complex medical conditions, and culturally responsive care.
Before becoming a psychologist, a deeply personal experience with a close family member taught me what it means to navigate systems that often fail the people who need them most. That loss sparked my lifelong commitment to advocacy, equity, and culturally informed therapy — values that continue to guide every session I hold today.
Let’s begin
If this resonates — if you’re ready to stop just getting by and start healing — I invite you to reach out. Your story deserves to be witnessed. Your healing can start here.
Areas of Focus & Populations Served
Areas of Specialization
-
Trauma and PTSD (childhood, relationship, racial, and medical trauma)
-
Anxiety, depression, and identity-related struggles
-
Chronic pain, health-related stress, and mind-body connection
-
Grief, loss, and life transitions
-
Cultural identity, intersectionality, and race-based stress
-
Relationship and boundary challenges
Populations Served
-
Adults and young adults healing from trauma or navigating major life changes
-
Individuals managing chronic illness or pain
-
Culturally diverse and marginalized communities
-
Clients exploring faith, identity, or belonging
-
Survivors seeking long-term recovery and post-traumatic growth
My Experience
Education & Credentials
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology — Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology — Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology — San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
Ready to begin your healing journey?
For the the fastest way to connect you can:
1) Give Us A Call
2) Send Us a Quick Message: Please fill out the form to contact us with any questions, request a free consultation, or to make an appointment request.
3) Schedule A Free Call with Our Client Care Team