Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Anglin.
Hi Amber, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I want to start by thanking Voyage Dallas for this opportunity. It is a pleasure to be recognized for doing what I love daily. I’m Amber, and I am the proud owner and founder of Posterity Counseling, a Dallas/Fort Worth-based private practice, specializing in trauma and anxiety-related disorders. I also enjoy working with individuals navigating personality disorders, couples, and children. I work with clients from all backgrounds, ages, and circumstances, personalizing my approach to each client’s needs and seeing clients all across Texas (virtually), but my office is currently in Mansfield.
Before pursuing a career as a therapist, I spent 17 years in education as a special education teacher for the first ten years, followed by 7 years as a school counselor. These experiences taught me the challenges children, adolescents, and their families face and the importance of creating a supportive family dynamic. I loved my time as a school counselor and realized that healthy family units are important and the cornerstones of our society. So, I felt compelled to extend my help and support beyond the school setting, offering therapy to families to strengthen emotional health, build resilience, and encourage positive communication—ultimately contributing to the well-being of our communities.
Initially, I intended to work primarily with children because that was what I was comfortable with after working in schools for so long. That quickly changed. About a month and a half after graduating, I had an amazing opportunity to get trained in EMDR. This training opened my eyes to the transformative impact of trauma-focused therapy and completely changed the trajectory of my practice and my career.
In the early stages of my practice, I feared the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, so I sought opportunities to join established practices, hoping to gradually grow my practice while polishing my skills and expanding my knowledge. If I’m being candid, I also loved getting a steady paycheck. These opportunities provided a sense of security.
Despite my best efforts, none of these opportunities lasted. I still felt very stifled and lacked the autonomy I craved. During a phone conversation with my husband, Chris, he encouraged me to let go of my fears and focus on Posterity’s growth. Drawing on my years of experience, determination, faith in God, and having my husband’s support, I took his advice and never looked back. I began focusing my energy on building Posterity. Over the past year, my practice has grown and evolved in amazing ways, allowing me to help so many people experience personal growth and emotional healing. It’s been incredible to witness this work’s impact on their lives! My vision is clear: help people navigate the complexities of the human experience and provide hope for those struggling with a wide range of mental challenges.
Looking back to the early stages of my career, I am so thankful for all the rejections and challenging situations that led me to where I am today. My roles as an educator, school counselor, wife, and mom, and my life experiences have shaped how I support others. I’ve had my fair share of challenges. Still, those tough moments have made me more determined and passionate about bringing Posterity’s mission to life—to create a space where individuals experience life-changing therapy centered around the power of feeling understood, validated, and supported.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been anything but smooth. It’s been fun, but it has not been easy. While I’ve had experience as a co-owner of my husband’s company, running a therapy practice is entirely different. One of the most significant hurdles I’ve encountered is standing out in a saturated market, which requires me to set my practice (and myself) apart from other great therapists. It’s important to note that this is not viewed as a disadvantage. I love that people seeking therapy have so many options; everyone should find a therapist they vibe with. Even in this network with so many therapists, being a part of this amazing community and helping people makes every hurdle worth it.
Another major challenge was managing my practice’s social media presence and presenting myself as an “expert” in the field. This has been especially difficult despite my confidence in my skills as a therapist. Read: Imposter Syndrome. I find myself learning marketing strategies, billing procedures, and countless administrative tasks. Acquiring these skills has been an undertaking, and there are STILL moments when self-doubt creeps in. As I take on each new challenge, I discover how much I am growing as a therapist AND a business owner.
I wouldn’t necessarily call my next point a challenge, but it has definitely been a growth opportunity for me. I have learned ALWAYS to expect the unexpected. For instance, my schedule is ever evolving (which is nice because I get bored easily), but understanding the fluctuating nature of mental health private practice has been interesting, to say the least. Instead of worrying about the small changes in my caseload (which I’ve learned from other therapists is completely normal), I use “slower” periods to focus on continuing education, training, and spending quality time with my family. I have learned to “lean into” the slower time and view it as a time to do what I enjoy outside of therapy work. I also use the “slower” time to establish policies and procedures, which will help my practice reach new levels of success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Posterity Counseling?
The name “Posterity Counseling” highlights my dedication to creating positive change for my clients and their families. By providing trauma-informed, person-centered therapy services, I hope to not only help individuals heal and grow but also to break harmful cycles and patterns that could be passed down through generations. This concept of “posterity” informs my work by reminding me of the meaningful impact that therapy can have on individuals, families, and communities.
In a training I took at the beginning of my career, the presenter referred to therapists as “heart healers,” which deeply resonated with me and continues to guide my daily work. Posterity clients find a healing space built by authenticity, empathy, and a light-hearted atmosphere. Although therapy can be challenging, there’s always room for laughter, healing, and growth to happen. I support my clients in expressing their emotions freely, because all feelings are valid and part of our shared human experience. When I think about embracing the “heart healer” role, I create a space where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to overcome obstacles and strengthen resilience.
The connection between therapist and client is so important. Research consistently highlights the importance of therapeutic relationships and emphasizes the need for individuals seeking therapy to find a therapist they respect, trust, and feel comfortable with. These factors significantly contribute to client success, particularly when addressing intergenerational and familial issues.
I support clients in breaking cycles of generational trauma and fostering resilience within their families.
This involves creating meaningful connections with clients, understanding their stories, and uncovering the generational narratives shaping their experiences. I use an array of therapeutic techniques, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Exposure Response Protocol (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, play therapy, parenting support, and behavioral strategies. Various approaches allow me to personalize sessions to meet specific needs and goals.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My favorite books include “What Happened to You?”, “Good Morning, Monster”, and “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone.” These books have greatly influenced my work as a therapist and have provided me with valuable insights into the human psyche.
I love listening to podcasts that help me grow as a therapist and stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques. Some of my favorites include “Abundant Practice Podcast”, “Am I a Bad Therapist?”, “The Couples Therapist Couch”, “EMDR Chat”, “The OCD and Anxiety Podcast”, and “The Anxiety Dr.”
In terms of apps, I recently discovered Headway, which has been a game-changer for me. As someone with a busy schedule, I appreciate the convenience of getting book summaries in just 15 minutes. This app has helped me stay well-informed without compromising my time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.posteritycounseling.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/posterity_counseling?igsh=MWV6anZ1a29leDB5Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Sydney Brown
Neely Pedersen
