Meet Olivia

Hi, I’m Olivia Riches Ambs, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH14344). I have been seeing clients since 2010, and it is a privilege to walk alongside individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and discover their own capacity for growth and healing.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Cognitive Science from the University of Central Florida, and my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College. I graduated with honors and was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate Counseling Student, an award voted on by both my peers and faculty. When presenting the award, the program director remarked, “Caring is core to her being and one of the many qualities that makes her such an effective mental health counselor.”

I am an EMDR Certified Therapist, IFS-informed, a Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist, and a Certified Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Provider—a Polyvagal-informed intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges to help regulate the nervous system and foster a greater sense of safety and connection. These certifications reflect my commitment to holistic, integrative care that honors both the mind and body.

I work with adults (18+) and specialize in adverse experiences/trauma, anxiety disorders, and relationship concerns—including attachment, family of origin, parenting, and intrapsychic relationships (the internal dynamics between different thoughts, feelings, beliefs, or “parts” of oneself). I also have experience supporting clients through post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); depression; grief and loss; identity development across the lifespan; life transitions and adjustment difficulties; racial, ethnic, and cultural issues; and struggles related to sexual orientation or gender identity.

My approach is integrative and research-informed, drawing on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Ego State Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These evidence-based frameworks allow me to tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs while building on the strengths they already possess.

At the heart of my work is a deep respect for the fact that clients are the experts in their own lives. My role is to provide guidance, tools, and perspective while supporting clients in recognizing and cultivating their inner resources. Together, we focus on strengthening what I call the wisest, most resourced self—creating a collaborative and supportive environment where sources of distress are reduced and resilience, self-trust, and inner clarity are expanded.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can see if I may be a good fit for your needs. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.