Amber Rutherford
MSW, RSW
Social Worker
Amber is a Registered Social Worker with the College of Social Service Workers and Social Workers. Amber is an Intern and member of the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy and has additional training in Theraplay® I, Trauma/Attachment and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. Amber earned her Master of Social Work from Sir Wilfrid Laurier University in 2010, which specialized in Play Therapy and Trauma, having completed her Bachelor of Social Work with in 2003.
For the last 14 years, Amber has worked in various settings serving children, youth (aged 6-18) and their families within the Niagara Region, Halton Region, the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa and England. Amber has specialized skills and knowledge in the following areas:
- Trauma and Attachment
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidality and Self Harm
- Adoption/Foster Care
- Family Conflict
- Parent Coaching
- Grief and loss
- Separation and/or divorce
- Challenges with emotional expression and regulation
- Anger Management
- Behavioural challenges
- Social skills and Interpersonal challenges
- Learning disabilities
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Gifted children
Amber offers an eclectic and dynamic approach to therapy in order to help a child and family heal. Amber focuses on trauma/attachment informed therapy, while utilizing directive and non-directive play-based therapies, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural, Dialectical Behavioural and Narrative therapies. Amber also utilizes principals of Body work and Brain/Body Integration, Emotion Freedom Technique, Meditation and Mindfulness in her practice.
Amber is a resourceful, dynamic and ‘down to earth’ therapist who focuses on providing an empathetic, strengths-based approach to therapy and ensures anti-oppressive and LGBTQ positive space within her sessions. Amber also has a strong belief in humor as a healing agent.
On a personal level, Amber is a proud mother of two young boys, a role that has provided her with great insight into the overwhelming, yet rewarding world of parenthood.
Amber is looking forward to meeting with you and your family and work in partnership with you and your child in order to help you regain a sense of balance in your life.
