Amy Shahda, MA, LMFT-A
Areas of Expertise
Couples and families caring for children with special needs (Autism, ADHD, Developmental delays)
Couples navigating neurodivergence
Parenting
Amy’s Approach
My approach is one of no judgement, great compassion and working together to develop a customized treatment plan that will address your unique needs and goals. I use a collaborative approach to counseling, where clients are active participants in the therapy process. I also use evidence-based techniques to help clients improve their communication, work together as a team, build intimacy, and resolve conflicts.
Fun Facts
One of my best travel memories is visiting the historic Turkish baths in Istanbul.
In my precious downtime, you’ll find me reading. A recent favorite was The Nightingale.
My idea of meaningful connection is having dinner with friends and no one is looking at their phones.
A moment of delight is seeing my kids cuddling with our kittens, Stella Maria and Titus Agamemnon. (Yes, the kids named the kittens. And yes you will hear us calling them by their full names.)
Life with children is hard. Life with special needs children adds an extra layer of hard. As a mom of children with special needs, a wife, a friend, a former teacher and a therapist, I understand the complexities of life. I believe in the philosophy of taking everything we can from the circumstances of life and using this knowledge to live more insightfully with deeper meaning. Using both personal life experiences and learned skills, I work with clients to resolve challenges, better understand your relationships, and create a meaningful future.
I specialize in working with parents and families of children with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. I have a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Houston, Clear Lake. Before moving into therapy work, I taught in the public school system for over a decade. I have always been a helper and look forward to us working together.
EDUCATION
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Houston, Clearlake
ADVANCED TRAINING
Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy
Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
LICENSURE
LMFT-Associate, #205577, Supervised by Nadine Greer, LMFT-S, #203096 and Dr. Laura Spiller, Licensed Psychologist #31563
Rates
Couples session (75 minutes): $220
Individual session (50 minutes): $170
OFFICE HOURS
By appointment
Wednesday
1 pm - 8 pm
Fridays
8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Saturdays
9 am - 12:30 pm