Amaya Counseling

🌿 Healing is possible, and it starts with a safe space to unravel your story.🌿

As both an EMDR therapist and Gong Yoga Nidra practitioner, I offer a unique, holistic approach to healing trauma, anxiety, and depression. EMDR helps you process and release emotional pain, while Gong Yoga Nidra allows for deep relaxation and inner peace.

✨ If you’re a woman who’s ready to focus on healing—whether from trauma, anxiety, or depression—know that you are not alone. Together, we will create a personalized path that aligns with your needs, balancing mind, body, and soul.

🌼 Now accepting new clients!
If you’re seeking therapy or wellness coaching in a safe, compassionate environment, let’s connect. DM or visit the link in my bio to schedule a consultation.

🧘‍♀️ Healing isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving. Let’s take that journey together.

✨ Join us for a Transformative Journey ✨

🌕 Gong Yoga Nidra Group Session
📅 October 12 | 🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Soul Body Ojai Gahvarum Community Space
206 N Signal St Suite M,
Ojai, CA 93023
Cost: $35, sliding scale $27-$33

Looking to release stress, find inner peace, and reset your mind and body? Join us for a deeply restorative Gong Yoga Nidra session, where sound healing meets guided relaxation. 🌿✨

Immerse yourself in the soothing vibrations of the gong, as they gently guide you into a state of deep rest and relaxation. The calming power of Yoga Nidra will help you let go of mental chatter and connect with a deeper sense of calm and clarity. 🌙🔮

Whether you’re new to sound healing or experienced, this practice offers a beautiful opportunity to:

✨ Release tension from the body
✨ Quiet the mind
✨ Restore balance and inner harmony
✨ Experience a profound sense of relaxation and renewal

Space is limited, so secure your spot today and give yourself the gift of healing. 💖

I can’t wait to hold this sacred space for you. 🙏✨

How to register:
Click on link: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/gond-yoga-nidra-group-offering
Venmo payment to

*Disclaimer: Gong Yoga Nidra group session is not an individual or group mental health therapy service. Sale is final.*

Meet Our Expert Practitioners for the Heal the Healers Day Retreat! 🌟

We are excited to introduce the incredible team of wellness practitioners who will guide you through a transformative day of healing and self-care. Each brings unique expertise and a passion for helping you rejuvenate and reconnect with your inner peace.

📅 Date: September 21 2024
📍 Location: Breathe Ojai Yoga Studio and Community Hall
                        323 E. Matilija St. Suite 217
                        Ojai, CA 93023 
 
Swipe through to meet our team and learn about the amazing sessions they will be leading!

✨ Blanca E. Amaya , LCSW– Lead Facilitator, Wellness Coach and Gong Yoga Nidra Practitioner
“ Blanca will lead an interactive workshop specially for helping professional and facilitate a rejuvenating Gong Yoga Nidra session to deepen relaxation and reset the nervous system.”

🌿 Virginia Orantes, LCSW – Co- Facilitator 
“ Virginia will guide participants through mindfulness practices designed to promote clarity and emotional balance.”
 
  🧘‍♀️Francesca Gold - Yoga Therapist
“Francesca Gold is the founder of Breathe Ojai. She will provide a gentle and restorative yoga practice that will help you find balance and calm.”

🌟 Raising Mami Alchemy, Inc. - Sound Bath Practitioners 
“Experience deep relaxation and clarity through Raising Mami Alchemy’s immersive sound baths, designed to harmonize mind and body.”

Why Attend?
✨ Rejuvenate and Recharge
✨ Build a Supportive Community
✨ Enhance Your Well-Being

Spaces are limited! Reserve your spot today and invest in a day dedicated to your wellness. 🌸

👉 Register Now: [link in bio]

🧘‍♀️ Upcoming Events: Heal the Healers & Gong Yoga Nidra 🧘‍♂️

Are you ready to *recharge* and *restore balance*? 💫
Join us for two powerful offerings designed to support your well-being:

🌟Heal the Healers Retreat 🌟
A rejuvenating retreat for caregivers, therapists, and wellness professionals. We’ll focus on nervous system regulation, stress management, and creating space for *your* healing. 🌿

📅 September 21, 2024
📍 Breathe Ojai Yoga Studio and Community Hall
323 East Matilija Street, Suite 217,
Ojai, CA 93023

*Limited spots available!*

🎶 Gong Yoga Nidra Group 🎶
Experience the magic of sound healing and deep relaxation. Let the soothing vibrations of the gong guide you into a restful, meditative state. Perfect for releasing stress and recharging your energy. ✨

📅 September 23 and October 21
📍 Soul Body Ojai Gahvarum Community Space
206 N Signal St Suite M,
Ojai, CA 93023
*All levels and ages are welcome!*

💖 Prioritize your self-care. Reserve your spot today or DM for details.

Registration for Heal the Healer Retreat: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/heal-the-healers-wellness-d

Registration for Gong Yoga Nidra Group Offering: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/gond-yoga-nidra-group-offering

***Disclosure: These offerings are no therapy****

🌿 **Exciting News!** 🌿

Today, my amazing co-facilitator, Virginia Orantes, and I came together to make the final plans for our upcoming Heal the Healers Retreat, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share what we’ve crafted for you! 💫

This retreat is designed to offer a restorative experience for those of us who are constantly giving and healing others. We’ve thoughtfully planned sessions focused on nervous system regulation, Gong Yoga Nidra, and transformative practices that will leave you feeling recharged and renewed. 🔥

This is a perfect opportunity to invest in yourself, connect with fellow healers, and learn tools for deep stress relief and personal rejuvenation. 🌿✨

Spaces are limited, and we’re already filling up! Don’t wait—secure your spot today to join us for a weekend of relaxation, healing, and growth. 🧘‍♀️💖

We can’t wait to share this special experience with you! 💫

Registration link is below:

https://www.eventcreate.com/e/heal-the-healers-wellness-d

🌿Why You Shouldn’t Miss the “Heal the Healers” Retreat 🌿

As healers and helping professionals, we give so much to others. Now it’s time to give back to yourself. 🌟

Experience the power of Gong Yoga Nidra at our retreat—a transformative practice that combines sound healing with deep relaxation.

Imagine:

✨ Stress melting away as the gong’s vibrations bring you into deep calm.
✨ Emotional healing as you clear away old patterns and blockages.
✨ Mental clarity as you release mental clutter and find focus.
✨ Rejuvenation that leaves you balanced, refreshed, and ready to continue your work with renewed energy.

This retreat is your opportunity to heal from the inside out, surrounded by a supportive community.

Limited spots available! Don’t miss your chance to join us. 🌟

Registration link is below:

https://www.eventcreate.com/e/heal-the-healers-wellness-d

What is Gong Yoga Nidra? 🧘‍♀️🎶

Gong Yoga Nidra is a powerful combination of deep relaxation and sound healing. ✨

🔹 Yoga Nidra: Also known as “yogic sleep,” this guided meditation takes you into a state of deep, conscious relaxation, where your body and mind can rejuvenate.

🔹 Gong Sound Healing: The vibrations of the gong calm the nervous system, release tension, and clear energy blockages, enhancing the restorative effects of Yoga Nidra.

Together, they create a transformative experience, promoting healing on every level—mind, body, and spirit. 🌿💫

Join us and experience the profound benefits of Gong Yoga Nidra and much more. Your healing journey starts here!

Send me a DM if you have any questions about our retreat or about this practice.

Registration link is in the bio

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

I’m thrilled to share that I’m now a certified Gong Yoga Nidra practitioner! 🎉✨

This powerful practice combines the restorative benefits of Yoga Nidra with the healing vibrations of the gong, creating a deeply transformative experience.

And the best part? I’ll be incorporating Gong Yoga Nidra into our upcoming “Heal the Healers” retreat. 🧘‍♀️💫

Join us as we dive deep into relaxation, healing, and renewal, nourishing ourselves from the inside out.

Stay tuned for more details, and get ready to experience the profound effects of this beautiful practice. 🌿💖

Send me a DM or click on the link in my bio to register for our “Heal the Healers” retreat. A sneak peak of private and group Gong Yoga Nidra sessions are also coming soon!
Thank you and for the training and transformative experience ✨🙏🏽

🩺 Heal the Healers: A Workshop for Those Who Give So Much 🧘‍♀️

In the helping professions, we often put others’ needs before our own.

But to truly serve others, we must first take care of ourselves.

That’s why we created the
“Heal the Healers” workshop—a space dedicated to the well-being of those who spend their lives caring for others.

This workshop offers:

✨ Restoration: Replenish your energy and reconnect with your passion.
✨ Community: Share experiences with fellow professionals who understand the unique challenges you face.
✨ Tools for Self-Care: Learn practical techniques to sustain your well-being and prevent burnout.

Taking time to heal is not just a luxury—it’s essential.

Join us, and let’s ensure that you continue to make a difference in the world, while also taking care of yourself.

🌱✨ I’m a therapist, but I’m also on my own healing journey. 🌱✨

Recently, during a powerful session with my amazing Latina therapist (who just gets me), I reconnected with my 9-year-old self—the part of me that felt like she didn’t belong, had to constantly be in survival mode, and needed to work tirelessly to prove herself.

That little girl needed to be reminded that it’s okay to rest, that she’s safe now.
This part of me comes up often, especially as I raise my daughter. Through her, I reconnect with my inner child, who teaches me to slow down, rest, and play—things I still struggle with as an overachieving eldest daughter of immigrant parents who modeled working 40+ hours a week.

I’m sharing this because, even as helpers and healers, we need to prioritize our own healing. Whether it’s through therapy, joining a support group, learning to set boundaries, or attending workshops and retreats, it’s vital to nurture that part of ourselves.

So, what are you doing today to heal that part of you?
If you’re looking for a space to explore and grow, I invite you to join one of my upcoming workshops. Together, we can work on healing and restoring balance in our lives—because we deserve it too.

🧘‍♀️ Benefits of Wellness Workshops
for Mental Health Providers🧘‍♂️

🌿 Prevent Burnout: Learn effective strategies to manage stress and avoid burnout. Prioritize your well-being to continue providing the best care for your clients.

💖 Self-Care: Discover the importance of self-care and how to integrate it into your daily routine. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup!

🧠 Mind-Body Connection: Explore holistic practices like mindfulness and yoga to enhance your own well-being and bring these powerful tools into your practice.

🤝 Networking & Support: Connect with like-minded professionals and build a supportive community. You’re not alone on this journey!

📈 Professional Development: Gain new tools and approaches to enrich your therapeutic toolkit and improve client outcomes.

🌟 Personal Growth: Reflect on your own life and gain insights that can help support you better. Grow both personally and professionally.

👩‍⚕️ Modeling Wellness: Show your clients the importance of self-care by prioritizing your own wellness.

Ready to invest in yourself? Join our upcoming wellness workshop and transform your wellbeing! 🌿✨

🌟Exciting News! 🌟

We’ve updated our logo to reflect our expanded services.

In addition to EMDR therapy, we are now offering wellness coaching and wellness workshops, including “Heal the Healers” workshops.

Stay tuned for more details on how we can help you on your wellness journey.

Hello everyone! I have some exciting news to share! I am honored to be asked to be part of this panel at this event hosted by I am excited to share my experience as well as share space with other MSW students. ✅Fun fact: I attended CSUN’s MSW program so to be there again now as an LCSW feeling amazing!

Becoming a mom, being a business owner, being a daughter, friend, and wife is wonderful but also can be overwhelming and stressful!
Let’s be honest it is hard juggling all these roles. I am not super woman!

I often find myself more irritable when I am overwhelmed or stressed. I feel unmotivated and fatigued. Often times I just need someone to hear me out and validate my experience or feelings. Help me remind myself that I don’t need to juggle everything at once and it’s okay to ask for help.

Just feeling heard helps so much! Do you agree? Does this happen to you? Who will you share these phrases with?

Hello! I wanted to re-introduce myself.

A little about me:

My name is Blanca Amaya and I am a daughter of immigrants, first generation Mexican American, new mom to my baby girl Norah, and wife.
I am fluent in Spanish. I have been working in the mental health field since 2008. I am passionate about helping adult individuals heal, provide a non judgment ear, provide a space to process the past, present, and future. I meet people where they are in their journey.

I am a LCSW in California and I am EMDR trained virtual therapist.

I specialize in helping individuals process and heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression. I am currently accepting some insurances and cash pay.

Please share with anyone that might benefit.

I have some news!

I am now able to accept the following insurances:

•Optum
•Aetna
•Cigna

If you or someone you know is looking to start virtual individual therapy in California with me, a Latina therapist, you can now access my services by using the three insurances listed above.

Please share the new and exciting news!

I have some news!

I am now able to accept the following insurances:

•Optum
•Aetna
•Cigna

If you or someone you know is looking to start virtual individual therapy in California with me, a Latina therapist, you can now access my services by using the three insurances listed above.

Please share the new and exciting news!

Helpful tips to improve your sleep include;

📱Disconnect from electronics 30-60mins before bedtime

🌜If possible go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day

🕰If possible use your bedroom and bed only for sleeping, don’t work or eat in your bedroom or bed

🧘🏽‍♂️Be physically active before bed such as going for a walk, practice yoga,etc.

🛀🏾Take a warm bath before bedtime

🎼Play soothing music while preparing for bed

🌧Play white noise or natural sounds such as water

🛏 Establish a night time routine to unwind from the day

📖 Journal or read your favorite book

How does lack of sleep impact your mental health?

It can make you more irritable causing you to respond with anger

It can be difficult to cope with minor stressors

Can increase your anxiety and depression symptoms

Impacts your ability to make thoughtful decisions and choices.

Your quality of sleep can be impacted by anxiety about the past, present, or future. It can be impacted my nightmares of a lived experience. It can be impacted by life stressors or life transitions such as because a new parent. I can relate to the last one. Have a newborn has really impacted my sleep.

Want to learn how to start to improve your sleep? I will be sharing some basic tips soon. Be on the looks out!

For a lot of us it can be difficult to ask for help or receive help because:

We believe we are not worthy

We have felt abandoned by those whom we have asked for help.

We fear experiencing disappointment, hurt, or betrayal

We learned to become extremely independent as a protective measure, as a way to survive, as a way to cope.

Does this sound familiar???
I know it does for me!

These are all learned behaviors as a response to a lived experience or experiences that over time can become unhealthy.

But remember…. It can be unlearned, you can start to develop healthier responses.

Want to learn more? Want to learn how to start? Send me a DM.

Self Care Can Also Look Like:

Taking a shower
Going outside for a walk
Making that appointment
Returning a call or text message
Eating lunch
Drink something soothing
Eating comfort food
Getting out of bed
Taking a nap
Listening to your favorite music
Sitting in silence

Self care does not necessary mean getting a massage or spending money. It can be as simple as taking a nap, going outside, or taking shower. It can be what ever you need in the moment.

I know that for us it’s difficult to prioritize ourselves but it is also important! Often times when we neglect our own self care or mental health it starts to impact our relationships, our physical health, and can lead us to numb ourselves with alcohol or other substance.

This week I invite you to practice some self care. Let me know how it goes. Want some tips on how to start, send me a DM.

🔥Exciting News! 🔥

I will be accepting new clients for the month of August. If you are curious about EMDR, are ready to make a change in your life or are feeling ready to start your healing journey schedule a FREE phone 📞 consultation.

The ⛓link is in my bio!

🌟Attention all mothers and parents🌟

It’s Okay and completely normal as a first time mother or parent to several children to feel:

Like you don’t know what you are doing and also accepting that being a parent can be trial and error

Become easily overwhelmed by completing tasks and also being willing to ask and accept help from others

Feeling like you are losing yourself and also embracing your new role

Asking advise/ suggestions from other mothers in your life and also seeking a professional

Have days that you miss your old life before having a child/ children and also love being a mother

Wanting a break/day with out your child/children

Remember that you are doing your best and THAT IS ENOUGH!!!

Allow yourself compassion and grace!

Your feelings are VALID!! You are not alone in this parenting journey!

We are all learning! It’s okay to not have it all figured out!

Who are you reaching out for support during this transition or during difficult times as a parent? Family, friends, support groups, online forums, your therapist? Where can you find your tribe?

💫 Personal Therapist update: 💫

🦋We welcomed Norah to this world in May.

I have been getting to know her and fall in love with her every day. It has been an adjustment learning this new role as a mother and also exciting to see what new adventures await us.

As my maternity leave is soon coming to an end look out for new content, the start of support groups, and openings for individuals wanting to start EMDR therapy.

✨Personal life update✨:
Thank you all for your patient! I have been a little MIA because well I have been growing a human! And let me tell you this baby has taken over my body and mind.

Through the pregnancy I will admit that I have had some moments of anxiety, what ifs, is my baby okay, what will our lives me like after. Prenatal anxiety has not been fun. I have felt physically uncomfortable and have had a hard time asking or accepting help. I have also have some moments of excitement, joy, anticipation, and I feel blessed to be able to be pregnant. I share this because I believe it’s important to be transparent as every pregnancy is different and the process of becoming mother/father/parent is different for everyone. I am a therapist but also a human too!
I will be focusing on growing this human for another month as we anticipate their arrival. I will return once thing settle to continue helping others through their healing journey.