Amparo Penny, MA, LCMHC, C-DBT, CCTP

I am a seasoned DBT therapist who specializes in borderline personality disorder, perfectionism, eating disorders, issues of overcontrol, mood disorders, trauma, and issues of gender and race.

My area of interest is working with people from all walks of life, from tweens to late adulthood, those seeking support to create positive changes in their lives. My approach is strengths-focused – we will identify your strengths and figure out how they can help you reach your goals. I find myself to be open-minded and non-judgmental with people, and I love using humor in my sessions! I am also the biggest Michael Jackson, Rocky, RuPaul, and Golden Girls fan that you’ll ever meet, so be prepared. 😉

My journey has been a personal one. For over 25 years, I grappled with yo-yo dieting, food restriction, overexercise, and battled with body image dissatisfaction. In my quest for a “solution,” I discovered that it was difficult to find resources for what I was going through; there just didn’t seem to be enough clinicians or support for individuals of color and those from marginalized communities. It felt as if the narrative was confined to certain people, leaving many of us without the support we needed.

That’s why my practice now focuses on eating disorders as well as mood disorders and Borderline Personality Disorder — areas where I have not only professional expertise but a deep understanding born from personal experience. I believe that every journey is unique, and the path to healing should be as well.

Here, you’ll find a safe space where your experiences are acknowledged and embraced. My commitment goes beyond our therapy sessions; it’s about building a relationship with you that understands the diverse facets of your mental health concerns. Whether you’re wrestling with eating disorders or seeking support for Borderline Personality Disorder, mood disorders, gender or cultural issues, you’re not alone.

Let’s embark on this journey together, breaking free from the limitations imposed by internal judgment and external expectations.

Your story is valid, friend, and so are YOU. You’re never “too much.”

I have trained in several therapy modalities including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing. Together we can find what works for you and the goals you want to achieve.