Shaela Amaya

Shaela Amaya is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in New York. She helps people who are struggling with anger as well as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and major life changes. Her tone is warm and straightforward, aimed at people who want practical steps toward feeling better.

Shaela uses a comforting and interactive style in sessions. She focuses on listening closely, then working with each person to set clear goals. Expect a mix of talking, skill building, and short exercises you can try between meetings.

Her work draws on client-centered methods that keep the person's experience at the center. She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify patterns of thought and behavior that get in the way. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and mindfulness practices are included when helpful to manage strong emotions and build coping tools.

Shaela has three years of clinical experience as an LMHC in New York. She has supported people with adoption and foster care issues, attachment concerns, OCD-related struggles, workplace stress, and caregiving strain. That range informs how she tailors plans to each person's needs.

She encourages people to try modest, concrete changes first and to build on what works. The approach is collaborative: Shaela works with each person to create a plan that fits their life and goals. If someone is ready to make a change, she offers steady support and practical strategies.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and helping the client lead the conversation. Online sessions that use this approach spend time understanding what matters most to the client and then set goals together. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches concrete skills to change unhelpful patterns. Online CBT often includes worksheets, behavioral experiments, and home practice to try between meetings. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills to manage strong feelings and reactions.

Finding the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to identify goals and preferences, and then suggest methods that fit those aims. Adjustments can be made as the work progresses so the plan stays useful for everyday life.

The original biography does not specify which session formats are offered for online care, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find it simpler to try skills in real time and then discuss how those attempts went at the next meeting.