Amber Portwood’s daughter Leah has decided to enter therapy to address the issues she has due to her mother’s experiences in her life. Leah, who is 16 years old, expressed her desire to overcome these issues so she can forgive her mother and move on. She believes that having someone to guide her in forgiveness will be beneficial for her. Leah has spent the majority of her childhood with her father, Gary Shirley, and stepmother, Kristina Shirley, as Amber has struggled to maintain a close relationship with her daughter.
Amber, who has been open about her mental health struggles, has acknowledged the distance between her and Leah. Despite expressing her hopes of building a stronger relationship with her daughter, Amber has admitted to not being the best mother in the past. She has previously disclosed her diagnoses of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, which may have contributed to her difficulties in motherhood.
In a rare confessional interview, Leah opened up about her relationship with her mom, revealing that she has abandonment issues due to her mother not being present in her life. She admitted that she is constantly afraid of being left by those close to her, including her stepmother Kristina. As Leah began therapy sessions to address these issues, her father Gary expressed his full support and assured her that she could keep the details of her sessions private to maintain a safe space for herself to talk about her feelings.
Tyler Baltierra, a costar of Leah’s, showed his support for her decision to enter therapy, citing his own experience with professional help at a young age as lifesaving. This encouraged Gary to have a conversation with his daughter about the benefits of therapy and how it can help her navigate the challenges she is facing. Despite Leah’s difficulties, Gary emphasized that she is a good kid and has a strong sense of maturity, and he wants her to be happy and supported through her therapy journey.
Leah’s decision to enter therapy and address her issues surrounding her mother’s experiences highlights the importance of mental health support for young people facing challenges. The support from her father, stepmother, and friends, like Tyler, is crucial in helping Leah navigate her feelings and emotions. As Leah begins her therapy sessions, she is taking a positive step towards healing and forgiveness, and her willingness to address her issues demonstrates her strength and determination to overcome the difficulties she has faced. Teen Mom: The Next Chapter continues to explore Leah’s therapy journey and her relationship with her family members as she works towards healing and understanding her past.
