Find a Therapist in Watertown, SD

I believe in taking an approach toward the whole person. Understanding the individual and catering a care plan best suited to their goals and values.

I graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Master’s in Clinical Health with Emphasis in Trauma. I have completed training for EMDR, and I'm currently working towards certification. I am passionate about expanding my knowledge to better inform, relate to, and help others. My approach will be fluid and reflective of the needs of the clients I work with. My approach often involves a multimodal therapy approach that includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-TF), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, solution-focused (SF) therapy, play therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. I have a very diverse background through experience and education, which has always been reflected in helping others of all ages. I am originally from Wisconsin and relocated to the area in 2018 after serving in the US Army down in Texas. I have three children and a cat. I enjoy being active and doing outdoor activities with my girls. I enjoy working out, painting, writing poetry, and creating timeless memories with my girls, friends, and neighbors.

Hi, I’m Amber Leafstedt (sheher), a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addictions Counselor. I believe that healing begins in safe, connected spaces, and my role is to offer you just that. My style is warm, relational, and grounded in presence. I bring both clinical expertise and deep compassion to the work I do, especially with those navigating trauma, identity, emotional intensity, and the desire to feel more at home in themselves. I specialize in working with trauma survivors, LGBTQIA+ individuals, teens, and people living with attachment wounds or traits of borderline personality condition. I use approaches like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills, mindfulness, person-centered therapy, and internal family systems—all tailored to your needs, at your pace. I became a therapist because I believe every person deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported as they grow into the life they long for. You don’t have to do it alone. If this feels like the space you’ve been seeking, I’d be honored to walk alongside you. I have openings for new clients, and would love to connect when you’re ready.

I am currently accepting new clients for both telehealth and in-person sessions. My agency and I are here to support you as you begin your journey toward hope. We meet you where you are, offering compassion, understanding, and encouragement every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting therapy or continuing your personal growth, I provide a safe, welcoming space for individuals, couples, and families to feel seen, heard, and empowered. I primarily work with adults, couples, and families. As a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) intern (sheher), I entered this field because I care deeply about people, their stories, their pain, and their incredible capacity for growth and change. It is profoundly meaningful to walk alongside someone as they begin to rediscover hope and step into their own healing. To me, therapy is not just about solving problems; it’s about genuine connection. It’s about being met with empathy, being truly seen, and feeling empowered to recognize that you are so much more than the limiting beliefs you may hold about yourself. It’s a true honor when someone chooses to share their experiences and who they are with me. I hold that trust with deep respect and care, and I consider it a privilege to be part of such a personal and transformative journey. Some of my areas of focus include helping clients navigate identity and self-worth, process racial or intergenerational trauma, strengthen relationships, and explore cultural or life transitions. I support individuals within the LGBTQ+ community and work with those wrestling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, perfectionism, codependency, and challenges around belonging or self-acceptance. For couples and families, I help improve communication, rebuild connections, and heal unresolved emotional wounds. My approach is primarily client-centered, relational, and systemic, which means I prioritize creating a safe, trusting space where you feel truly heard and supported. However, therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I tailor my methods and interventions to fit your individual experiences, goals, and challenges. This might include integrating strengths-based approaches, narrative therapy, mindfulness techniques, or emotionally focused work, especially in couples and family therapy. My goal is always to meet you where you are and adapt my approach to best support your growth and healing in a way that feels authentic and effective for you. I deeply respect client confidentiality and am committed to maintaining a professional, supportive environment where you can feel safe to explore and grow. Starting therapy can feel uncertain or overwhelming. You may be carrying doubt, fear, or past experiences that made it hard to reach out for help. You matter, your feelings, your story, and your healing journey are important. You are inherently valuable and worthy of compassion, respect, and care. No matter what you’ve been through or where you are right now, you deserve to be supported with kindness and understanding. You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out today to learn more or schedule a session by calling. I would be honored to walk alongside you as you take steps toward healing, growth, and self-discovery.

For over 20 years I have thoroughly enjoyed helping my clients work through the issues they are facing. Whether it is helping them with individual, couples or family matters, I consider it a privilege to provide counseling services for them. I am a Gottman Level II Certified therapist and also use various approaches referenced in the Types of Therapy within this GoodTherapy website. Feel free to contact me for further information via text at 605.321.9988

My goal as a psychologist is to help you navigate the rocky areas of life with more insight, self-compassion, and the tools you need to thrive. I have had the pleasure of working for over a decade with amazing individuals who reached out for support during transitional, challenging, or difficult times. I treat a host of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, image, self-esteem and confidence, and mood issues. I am trained with a Master’s in Counseling and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with an approach that looks comprehensively at an entire person’s life, including mindfulness-centered cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT), cognitive therapy, dialectical behavior therapies (DBT), and self-compassion and confidence training. I am empathetic to anxiety around meeting with a new therapist. I am happy to answer any questions to make your experience more comfortable and help you get started. I personally return your emails and telephone calls by the next business day.

Trauma may have changed you in ways others can’t see—but it doesn’t define who you are. It can leave you feeling disconnected, confused, stuck, and unsure of yourself. It can ruin relationships, families and your sense of self. I have spent over a decade specializing in trauma as well as individuals in high risk professions such as health-care workers, first responder and Veterans. I know that healing is possible. If you're searching for trauma therapy near me or a PTSD specialist with advanced training, I can help. I am a clinical consultant and trainer in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE), and I also offer EMDR to support nervous-system healing. My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, inclusive, and trauma-informed. In therapy, we work together to understand how trauma has shaped your emotions, relationships, and nervous system. My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and compassionate. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can rebuild trust in yourself, feel grounded again, and move toward the life you want. If you are searching for a "therapist near me," you are in the right place. I am a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and authorized to practice telepsychology across PSYPACT states through an active APIT (ASPPB E.Passport). I can provide telehealth sessions to clients physically located in: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

I work with women with who struggle with people-pleasing or perfectionist tendencies or who are hoping to heal from past trauma. I help people to feel confident in the decisions they make and the boundaries they set, to learn coping skills to handle anxiety, and to heal from trauma that affects our current decisions and relationships. I also work with pregnant women and new moms who are coping with anxiety or depression, as they navigate the changes that come with parenthood.

Has your relationship become an angry, sad, or scary place leaving you feeling alone, hurt, and discouraged? Are you and your partner feeling lost in conflict cycles you don’t understand and desperately want to change? Many of the couples I work with come to therapy feeling just like you. I understand how much courage it takes to reach out for help and to let another person get inside your relationship, especially when you are feeling so vulnerable. If you are searching for a safe place to explore what's not working in your relationship, and support in creating solutions, I can help.