Irving Amaral

I believe therapy should feel like a place where you can show up as you are, without judgment, pressure, or the expectation that you have everything figured out.

I’m Irving Amaral, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when people feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported.

I work with adults and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, self-esteem, identity, and patterns that can leave us feeling stuck. I also have experience supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and recovery.

I especially enjoy working with college students and first-generation students as they navigate independence, relationships, family expectations, identity, career decisions, and the uncertainty of figuring out what comes next.

My own path has shaped the therapist I am today. I came to the United States from Brazil as a teenager, became a first-generation college student, and earned my Master of Social Work from Fordham University. I understand what it can feel like to navigate different cultures, expectations, and parts of yourself that may not always feel understood or accepted. This has given me a special appreciation for clients exploring identity, belonging, and acceptance.

My role is to walk alongside you as we understand where you've been, what may be keeping you stuck, and where you want to go next.

My style is warm, collaborative, and down to earth. I want therapy to feel like a space where you can be honest, feel understood, and talk about difficult things without judgment.

The first session is really about getting to know you and understanding what brought you to therapy. I’ll ask about what has been going on, what you hope will change, important parts of your history, and what has or hasn’t been helpful in the past. You do not need to come prepared with the “right” things to say, and you do not have to share everything at once. I want the first session to feel comfortable and collaborative. We’ll also talk about your goals for therapy, answer any questions you have, and begin creating a plan that feels realistic and personal to you.