Lia Amakawa, Ph.D.

(She/her)
Preferred Name: Lia

EMDR Certified Therapist

EMDR Consultant-in-Training

About Me

I am dedicated to facilitating deep and impactful change. I not only treat symptoms but encourage my clients to aim toward more connected and fulfilled lives. I believe that a safe, supportive and truly affirming environment is the beginning. From this place, clients are able to take necessary risks, make changes, enhance connections to self and others, lift or establish boundaries, among other meaningful shifts. I use EMDR and other experiential therapies to explore and align the various dimensions of experience including the cognitive, the affective, the somatic and the behavioral. I take special care to make sure my clients feel safe, seen, and accompanied.

Education & Experience

BA in English and Studio Art from Williams College, PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fordham University

Professional & Volunteer Affiliations

APA (Trauma Division), Trauma Recovery Network (EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program)

Specialty Area

  • Abuse/Neglect
  • Anxiety/Panic Attacks
  • Attachment Disorders
  • Autism Spectrum
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Depression
  • Family Issues
  • Marriage/Relationship Issues
  • Mood Disorders
  • Phobias
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Traumatic Incident

Population Served

  • Adolescents (13-17)
  • Adults