About | Pura Vida Family Psy

About
Pura Vida Family Psychotherapy

Bilingual Therapist Helping Children, Teens, and Adults Heal, Grow, and Thrive

Pura Vida Family Psychotherapy is dedicated to providing bilingual family and individual therapy services to help children, teens, and adults thrive, heal, and grow.

I’m Amy Aracena, a bilingual Latina licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and Certified School Social Worker in New Jersey.

Professional Background

Experienced Psychotherapist

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW)

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified School Social Worker. With a deep understanding of psychological principles and therapeutic techniques, I am equipped to address a wide range of family and individual issues, from communication breakdowns to emotional distress.

Experience

Extensive Practice

With over 20 years of experience in clinical, school, and community mental health settings, I have helped numerous individuals and families overcome obstacles and improve their emotional well-being. My professional journey includes serving as a psychiatric clinician, child and family therapist, and school social worker—experiences that give me a deep understanding of the challenges clients face across the lifespan.

Specialties

Anxiety, Stress & Depression
Trauma & PTSD
Family and Relationship Issues
Special Education Advocacy (IEP/504 Planning, College Accommodations)
Self-Esteem & Identity Development
Crisis Intervention

Specialties

Anxiety & Stress
Depression
Trauma & PTSD
Family and Relationship Issues
Special Education Advocacy (IEP/504 Planning, College Accommodations)
Self-Esteem & Identity Development
Crisis Intervention

My
Approach

My style is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. I use eclectic evidence-based approaches to help clients gain tools for resilience and healing, such as:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-Focused CBT
Solution-Focused Therapy
Mindfulness
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Faith-based treatment
Positive Psychology
Family Systems Therapy

Sessions are tailored to your unique needs, values, and cultural background.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward healing and growth, I offer flexible telehealth sessions and a free 15-minute consultation tailored to your needs.

Get in touch

Sandy Amin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW

Amy is a highly skilled and compassionate psychotherapist. I have had the privilege of working alongside Amy for 3 years, during which time I have consistently been impressed by her clinical expertise, ethical integrity, and deep commitment to the client.