Amanda Chavez

I’m Amanda, a bilingual Latina therapist and founder of The Emotional Knot Therapy. As a second-gen Ecuadorian, I understand the mix of love, culture, expectations, and guilt that can come with being part of a Latino family. I know how heavy it can feel to break away from old patterns or beliefs like “Qué dirán?” or “Eso es para los locos.”

I have over 7 years of experience in mental health, including working at a crisis center, hospital, and group private practice prior to becoming independently licensed.

My style blends warmth, humor, and honesty. I show up with big sister + cheerleader vibes, someone who notices your patterns, calls you out with care, and celebrates every win with you. I work with adults and couples, and I’m passionate about helping the Latino community feel seen, grounded, and supported. And on occasion, my tiny sidekick Federico (my feisty Min Pin) might make a cameo during virtual sessions!

My approach is a mix of empathy, tough love, and practical tools. I meet you where you are but also guide you toward real change. I pull from several evidence-based approaches depending on your needs, including CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, and the Gottman Method for couples.

I focus on helping you understand where your patterns come from, how they show up in your relationships and daily life, and what steps you can take to create healthier, more intentional habits. My goal is to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to make shifts that actually stick!

Your first session is all about getting to know you. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you’ve been carrying, and what you want to change. I’ll ask questions to understand your background, family dynamics, and any patterns you’ve already noticed.

You can expect a warm, judgment-free space where you can be honest, messy, or unsure...that’s all welcome! We’ll set some initial goals together and make sure you walk away feeling understood and supported, not overwhelmed.