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Shaela Amaya

Shaela Amaya

LMHC

New York

Compassionate counselor focused on practical change

Continue with Shaela

At a glance

Credentials
LMHC
License
LMHC, New York / 010469
Experience
3 years
Languages
English
Location
New York

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational techniques
    • Client-centered care
    • Goal focused

    About Shaela

    Shaela Amaya is a New York licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) who helps people facing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, anger, relationship strain, trauma, and ADHD. She often supports those coping with major life changes, caregiving stress, and challenges tied to adoption and foster care. Her tone is warm and encouraging, aimed at people who want practical change and clearer next steps.

    Shaela uses an interactive, respectful approach in sessions. She listens first and helps clients identify small, workable goals. Motivational Interviewing is part of her toolbox to help people find their own reasons for change and build momentum.

    She also draws on client-centered techniques to make space for a person’s experience, and cognitive behavioral methods to spot unhelpful thinking and try different actions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy inform her work when emotion regulation or relationship patterns are central concerns.

    Shaela has three years of clinical experience working with a broad range of concerns including OCD, mood disorders, domestic violence aftermath, immigration issues, workplace stress, and women’s issues. She aims to create a plan that fits each person’s life, needs, and pace.

    Sessions are offered in English and Shaela accepts international clients. She emphasizes collaboration and steady progress, helping people take tangible steps toward a more manageable and hopeful daily life.

  2. How these approaches work in online therapy

    Shaela commonly uses Motivational Interviewing to help people clarify their goals and build motivation for change. This approach focuses on listening, asking helpful questions, and guiding people toward their own reasons to act. It can be especially useful for making lifestyle shifts and sticking with new habits.

    She also uses Client-Centered Therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where people can be heard. That work helps when someone needs to sort through feelings and make sense of difficult experiences. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) appears in her practice to identify unhelpful thinking and try different behaviors that can ease symptoms like anxiety or depression.

    Finding the right approach is a team effort. Shaela will talk with each person about needs, goals, and preferences and then recommend which methods to try first. Plans are adjusted as progress is made and priorities change.

    The original biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy life - for example a shorter check-in during a work break, using audio if bandwidth is low, or avoiding travel time. Licensed professionals can use these practical choices to help therapy fit into everyday routines rather than require big schedule changes.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Self esteem

    Also works with

    Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changesADHD

    Additional focus areas

    Adoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Domestic violenceForgivenessImmigration issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    3+ years

    Listed in

    New York

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does Shaela help with?

    She supports people with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, anger, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and coping with life changes.

    What is her therapeutic style like?

    Her style is comforting and interactive. She listens closely, treats people with respect, and works collaboratively to set practical goals.

    What training and experience does she have?

    Shaela is a licensed mental health counselor with three years of experience as a clinician working with a wide range of concerns.

    Where is she licensed and located?

    She holds an NY LMHC credential and practices from New York.

    Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?

    Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.

    What session formats are available?

    The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm the available formats before booking.

    How are fees and payment handled?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I get started with therapy?

    Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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