Amber Portwood’s Daughter Leah Begins Therapy to Address ‘Abandonment Issues’ With Her Mom

Leah’s Journey Toward Healing: Opening Up About Therapy and Family Struggles

In a recent episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, Leah Shirley, the 16-year-old daughter of Amber Portwood, took a significant step toward addressing her emotional struggles by deciding to enter therapy. Leah, who has primarily been raised by her father, Gary Shirley, and his wife, Kristina Shirley, expressed her desire to work through the challenges she’s faced due to her complicated relationship with her mother. Speaking candidly with her father, Leah revealed, “I just think I have a lot of, like, issues because of Amber and the experiences I’ve had. I want to overcome that so I can be able to forgive her and just move on.” Her decision to seek professional guidance highlights her maturity and willingness to take control of her emotional well-being.

Leah’s decision to pursue therapy is a brave response to the emotional turmoil she’s experienced growing up. While Amber has been open about her mental health struggles, including diagnoses of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, her challenges have undeniably impacted her relationship with Leah. In a recent confessional interview, Leah shared that she struggles with abandonment issues, stemming from her mother’s absence during critical moments in her life. “I feel like it does affect me every day because I’m always scared that Kristina is going to leave me. I’m always scared that people are just going to leave me for no reason,” she confessed. These feelings of insecurity and fear are a direct result of her experiences with Amber, and they have shaped her perspective on relationships and trust.

Amber, 34, has acknowledged the strain in her relationship with Leah, admitting that her daughter doesn’t want to spend time with her. While she has expressed hope for rebuilding their bond, Amber has also been forthcoming about her own struggles. “I’ve never been a mom that didn’t care. Just a f—ed up mom,” she said in a recent episode. Her honesty about her mental health challenges and parenting difficulties shows a level of self-awareness, but it also underscores the pain and distance that have grown between her and Leah. Amber’s words reflect a deep regret and a recognition of the impact her struggles have had on her child, but they also highlight the complexity of their situation.

Gary Shirley has been a constant source of support for Leah, providing her with a stable and loving environment. When Leah shared her decision to enter therapy, Gary responded with understanding and encouragement. “I just want you to have somebody to talk to that’s a safe space,” he said. “I want you to be happy. I love you.” His unwavering support and emphasis on Leah’s privacy during therapy sessions demonstrate his commitment to her well-being. Gary’s approach has been instrumental in helping Leah navigate her emotions and feel secure as she takes this important step toward healing.

Leah’s decision to seek therapy has also been supported by her Teen Mom co-star, Tyler Baltierra, who has spoken openly about the positive impact of therapy in his own life. When discussing the idea with Gary, Tyler shared that professional help at a young age was “life-saving” for him. His encouragement not only reinforced the value of seeking help but also inspired Gary to have an open and honest conversation with Leah about her needs. Tyler’s perspective serves as a reminder that therapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth, especially during the formative teenage years.

As Leah embarks on her therapy journey, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of her path toward healing and self-discovery. Her decision to address her emotional challenges head-on is a testament to her resilience and maturity. While the road ahead may not be easy, Leah’s willingness to confront her pain and seek guidance is a positive step toward a brighter future. Meanwhile, Amber’s continued self-reflection and commitment to her own mental health journey offer hope for potential healing and growth in their relationship. Teen Mom: The Next Chapter continues to air Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on MTV, offering fans a glimpse into the lives of these families as they navigate love, loss, and the challenges of parenthood.

In the end, Leah’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking help when needed and the impact that supportive loved ones can have on the healing process. While her journey is unique, her courage to confront her struggles and work toward forgiveness and growth is something that many people can relate to and admire.