Amanda Chavez

Hi! I’m Amanda, founder of The Emotional Knot Therapy, LLC. I’m a bilingual Latina therapist in New Jersey passionate about helping the Latino community break free from the stigma around mental health. Phrases like “Qué dirá la gente?”, “Yo no soy débil”, or “Eso es para los locos” are all too common when therapy comes up. I know those beliefs can make reaching out for help feel heavy, and I’m here to change that narrative.

My Story

As a second-generation Ecuadorian, I know what it’s like to grow up balancing two worlds. Family has always been filled with love, food, and traditions, but also with complicated dynamics. I’ve experienced firsthand what it means to hold onto the parts of our culture that bring pride, while also breaking free from unhealthy patterns that weigh us down. And of course, I know all about the famous guilt trips that come with trying to do things differently. Carrying that pressure while still wanting to do what’s best for yourself is exhausting and it’s something I deeply understand and help my clients work through.

My Approach

Since 2019, I’ve worked with the BIPOC community in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practice. Many of my clients come to me unsure if therapy will even help, often telling themselves, “let’s wait and see.” But waiting rarely changes things and I’m here to support you through that first step and beyond.

In sessions, I bring my big sister and cheerleader approach: offering tough love when needed, celebrating your wins, and creating a safe space where you feel truly seen and cared for. I use evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – identifying and reframing unhelpful thought patterns
• Psychodynamic Therapy – exploring how past experiences shape present struggles
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy – setting clear, actionable goals
• Trauma-Focused CBT – safely processing trauma with structured support
• The Gottman Method – strengthening relationships through trust, connection, and communication

Who I Work With

Individual Therapy: I support adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, grief and loss, career challenges, life transitions, and immigration/acculturation struggles.

Couples Therapy: I help couples at all stages, whether it’s premarital counseling, navigating co-parenting, healing after infidelity, or rebuilding trust. Using the Gottman Method, I guide couples in deepening intimacy, managing conflict, and building a stronger foundation together.

Meet Federico 🐾

Every so often, you might see my sidekick Federico my feisty miniature pinscher pop into a virtual session. He loves burrowing under blankets, chasing crinkle toys, and occasionally making cameos when he feels like saying hello.

Why Work With Me?

If you’re feeling stuck in cycles that no longer serve you, struggling to trust yourself, or carrying the weight of guilt, shame, or old wounds, I’m here to help! Therapy with me is about honoring where you come from while building new, healthier patterns for your future.