Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Lodeesen.
Hi Amber, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey toward becoming a therapist was born from a deep inner calling, shaped by moments of wonder, exploration, loss, and grief. It was a path of awakening—an invitation to pour my passion into something that resonated with my soul. In 2019, I found myself standing at a crossroads, uncertain of what to do with my life. The year before, I had graduated with a degree in marketing and statistics, stepping into a corporate job that, though practical, left my heart unfulfilled. I felt an emptiness that could only be filled by a career that reflected the essence of who I truly was—a career aligned with my unique blueprint. This yearning sent me on a journey of searching, healing, and discovering new ways I wanted to show up in the world. It was as though I was living through an identity crisis, shedding old layers of myself that no longer served me. But within this dissonance, I finally began to ask the questions that mattered—questions I had long avoided while following a path that I thought was expected of me, rather than one that was truly my own. Becoming a therapist had been a whisper in my journal since 2017, yet I remained uncertain about what I was meant to pursue, until I realized that the answer lay in embracing the truth of who I was becoming.
At the close of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, the ground beneath me shattered. My beloved mother, Laurie, passed away in 2022—just a month after being diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer. She was 61. Vibrant, magnetic, and full of life, her sudden departure left a void that no words could ever fill. Just months before her death, I also faced the heartbreak of a miscarriage. For years, I was consumed by grief, mourning not only the loss of my mother, but also my baby. The depth of that darkness is something that is almost impossible to describe—the kind of grief that wraps itself around you, so heavy and profound, it feels as though it could swallow you whole.
Within that darkness, there was a quiet wisdom—the kind of wisdom that only grief can offer. It was through this heartache that my soul was transformed, and my deep desire to become a therapist was born. It ignited a passionate calling to guide others through their own healing journeys. In the wake of loss, I made the decision to pursue my MSW at the University of Michigan, where I learned to weave a holistic approach to wellness that honors the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit—an approach shaped by my time in integrated medical centers, hospitals, and private practices, and my own path of healing.
Since then, I’ve founded The Holistic Therapy Co., a mental health practice rooted in whole-body wellness, where I offer support to clients in a way that prioritizes their unique needs. My mother and my baby—though no longer physically here—are my guiding stars, the light that continues to remind me how precious and fleeting life truly is. They are with me in every step of this journey, and I am profoundly honored to carry their legacy in the work I do, feeling their support in every moment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
After the miscarriage and the loss of my mother, grief consumed me. I spent a year and a half in a state of altered existence, feeling like a shadow of who I once was. I was overwhelmed by a profound sense of loneliness, as though part of me had died along with them. It made sense, in a way—your heart follows where your loved ones go, whether they’re here or not. During this time, I was also learning about the effects of trauma and the psychology behind it all. These lessons became a lifeline, offering me a new lens to understand my own suffering. Obtaining my MSW was a challenge, but it became a pathway to healing. The knowledge I gained helped me understand the intricate dance of my body and mind as they processed grief, and in turn, it brought me a measure of comfort.
When I created The Holistic Therapy Co., I was starting from the ground up, learning the complexities of building a therapy business from scratch. I had no roadmap, no clear direction, but when you’re driven by passion, you find a way to make it happen. It felt like I was juggling three jobs as I built the business and kept myself afloat. Choosing to reinvent my life in my late twenties—changing careers, earning my master’s degree, and launching a business—required deep sacrifices. I gave up the financial security I once had to chase my dream. There were also personal sacrifices, like not being able to connect with my friends and family as often, due to the weight of it all. I was utterly exhausted from both the grief that never seemed to fade and the tireless pursuit of my dreams. Yet, through it all, I was rooted in a knowing—a quiet, unwavering sense of my path—that kept me moving forward, one step at a time.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Holistic Therapy Co.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am deeply committed to supporting young adults and adults in navigating the complexities of their relationships—both with themselves and others. My mission is to work with individuals who are open and ready to engage in the transformative journey that healing requires, helping them integrate therapeutic insights into their daily lives and inner worlds.
My focus is on creating a sacred, safe space where clients can come as they are—raw, real, and vulnerable—as they walk their healing path. We know that trauma leaves its mark, its echoes, within our bodies. It’s something I have personally felt and witnessed in others. My approach to therapy blends a psychodynamic perspective with somatic healing and energy work, offering a holistic experience that enriches the process of transformation.
I specialize in supporting individuals through life’s most challenging moments—anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, grief, life transitions, self-esteem struggles, and relationship difficulties. I see disorders not as labels, but as expressions of inner disharmony within the body, mind, or spirit. For some, a diagnosis offers relief, while for others, it can feel confining. I am deeply mindful and compassionate in my approach to diagnosis and assessment, honoring the uniqueness of each individual’s experience.
Through my own personal journey, I’ve come to understand how trauma is held within the body. I’ve walked the winding path of reclaiming my sense of self and autonomy after profound loss and suffering, and I bring this understanding into our work together. Our sessions will be a sacred container where we explore your inner world with curiosity and compassion, allowing space to identify, feel, and channel your energy toward your deepest desires and healing goals. I vow to honor your unique expression of self and to remain flexible in my approach, adapting to what best supports you on your path.
I also believe that healing is magnified in community, and I am dedicated to creating spaces where connection, growth, and collaboration can flourish. I co-own a beautiful event called the ‘Love & Loss’ candle workshop—a sacred gathering where individuals come together to connect, sip mocktails, and create their own Luna Rose candle, a symbol of their personal journey through grief. We hold this event in November right before the holidays at The Whiskey Factory in Detroit. I’d love for you to join us.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
When my mother passed away, I was left in a deep uncertainty about how to still connect with her. Death felt so close, yet she felt farther away than ever before. In the midst of my grief, I found myself turning toward Mother Nature—the ultimate mother, holding and nurturing us all. There, in the quiet embrace of the Earth, I felt held, comforted, and restored. The trees became my sanctuary, and I drew strength from their ancient, rooted presence.
This connection to nature has become an integral part of my work as a therapist. I believe that the way we connect with nature reflects the way we connect with ourselves. The earth speaks to us in whispers of healing, and I weave these elemental practices into my sessions, knowing that nature’s wisdom can guide us back to balance and wholeness.
In the spring of 2026, I’m excited to host a nature-based retreat that will dive deeply into the healing power of the natural world. This retreat will be a sacred experience, focused on reconnecting with the elements and the land. I will weave together my psychodynamic approach with my somatic training and education, creating a powerful blend of mind-body healing. Stay tuned—it’s going to be a special journey!
Pricing:
- I accept insurance from BCBS, BCN, and Priority.
- I also accept self pay.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theholistictherapyco.com
- Instagram: @theholistictherapyco
- Other: Tiktok: @theholistictherapyco
