Amanda Chavez

Hi! I’m Amanda, founder of The Emotional Knot Therapy, LLC. I’m a bilingual Latina therapist in New Jersey who works with eldest daughters who are tired of being the strong one and couples who want to feel like they're on the same team again. I'm passionate about helping the Latino community break the stigma around mental health. Phrases like "Qué dirá la gente?", "Yo no soy débil," or "Eso es para los locos" are things many of us grew up hearing. If you've ever felt guilty for putting yourself first or wondered if your problems are "big enough" for therapy, you're not alone.

My Story

As a second-gen Ecuadorian, I grew up surrounded by love, good food, loud family gatherings, and strong family values. I also know that with those things can come pressure, guilt, and the unspoken expectation that you should always be the responsible one. If you're the eldest daughter, you probably know exactly what I mean. Being the one everyone leans on can become part of your identity. You get so used to taking care of everyone else that it's hard to know what you actually need. That's something I understand personally, and it's one of the reasons I do this work.

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 our sessions, you'll get someone who's honest, supportive, and not afraid to gently call you out when needed. I like to think of myself as equal parts therapist, big sister, and cheerleader. We'll laugh when it makes sense, sit with the hard stuff when we need to, and focus on helping you make real changes...not just vent for an hour.

I pull from approaches like CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and the Gottman Method for couples, but I believe therapy should feel like a conversation!

Who I Work With

Eldest Daughter Therapy: I work with eldest daughters who feel like they're carrying everyone else's emotions, constantly overthinking, struggling to set boundaries, or wondering why they feel guilty every time they say no. Together, we'll untangle those patterns so you can stop living on autopilot and start trusting yourself.

Couples Therapy: I also work with couples who love each other but feel stuck. Maybe communication has broken down, trust has been damaged, or you feel more like roommates than partners. We'll work on understanding each other better, communicating differently, and rebuilding your connection.

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.