Hi there. I am Dr. Amber Groomes, a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialty in anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and maternal mental health.
My credentials:
BA in Psychology from University of Maryland, College Park
BA in Family Sciences from University of Maryland, College Park
MA in Educational Psychology from University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D. in School Psychology from University of Texas at Austin
Early in my graduate training, I was assigned to read a book called “Letters to a Young Therapist.” Author Mary Pipher describes being a therapist as having a “Ph.D. in human suffering.” And sure, it feels like that sometimes. I wonder though, don’t we all end up as experts in our own particular niche of the human experience, and all the joy, wonder, loss, and heartbreak that living entails?
For many years now, I have had an urge to reach an audience and engage in conversation about mental health outside of the therapy office. Many of my colleagues have done this beautifully on social media, but I could never quite find my voice or my courage to use social media professionally. I am hoping this substack can be a space for me to publish and share my thoughts on psychology as it shows up in my own personal day to day, and themes from my therapeutic work with clients. I intend this to be a mix of musings, education, and inspiration.
Disclosure: Dr. Amber_Writes is a newsletter designed to be informational, entertaining, and engaging. It is not therapy. Following this newsletter does not establish a therapeutic relationship with me. Dr. Amber_Writes, and other written communication by Amber Groomes on Substack, is not a substitute for treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. I assume no liability for any action taken in reliance on my writing here at Dr. Amber_Writes.
Read With Me
Beginning in February 2026, I am hosting a paid “book club” in order to go in-depth with my favorite mental health tools. The book club will be conducted in 2-month modules and each module will have a theme. We will read two books, a non-fiction that explores the science and ‘how-to’ AND a fiction or memoir that illustrates the theme we are exploring.
For each theme, you will receive:
An in-depth reading guide created by me (not AI!)
A pre-recorded or live educational workshop
Access to a live group discussion via zoom
Access to a subscriber-only chat
I have high hopes for this experience. I am passionate about these concepts and I hope to really bring them to life. I want you to leave each book feeling as though you have a rich understanding of how to use these ideas in your day to day life.
If you miss a module, fall behind, or come in late: all reading guides and workshops will remain available for paying subscribers in the resources section of my substack.
Tentative 2026 Book Club Schedule:
February & March: Coping with Uncertainty
April & May: Mindfulness: Being in the moment
June: Take a Break!
July & August: Self-Compassion
September & October: Radical Acceptance
November & December: Cultivating Joy in Difficult Times
Supporting my work will help me continue to make mental wellness education more accessible to all while decreasing the stigma that exists around speaking on mental illness and treatment. You can always support me by liking, sharing, and recommending Dr. Amber_Writes.
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