Amaka Ohai

Welcome! My name is Amaka ['Aah-Ma-Ka'] Ohai, and I am an associate clinical social worker at Encompass Therapy. I earned my bachelor's degree in social work from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego; from there I went on to pursue my Masters in social work from the University of Southern California. I specialize in working with adults, families, and offering groups. For me, therapy is not just a mere job per say, my role as a clinical therapist is one that I am fully humbled by and that I hold as an undeniable vocation based on my own personal experiences and how far along my journey I have come. I currently offer telehealth services to individuals and families who reside in CA. First off, I am so grateful that you are here, and you are brave and have made it this far. So that means that your journey isn't over! You have a remarkable story where you've experienced deep sadness, emotional and physical isolation, emotional neglect, loss, grief, turmoil, relational issues, self-esteem, self-doubt, anxiety, heartbreak, and yet you are still here, one foot in front of the other, day by day, seeking meaning in all of it. I want you to know that you are not what has happened to you (past or present), that is not your identity because you are so much more. You are enough, and you deserve to tell your story. I offer a unique approach with all my clients, one where I am committed to being authentic with you in every session and cultivating a positive human connection as your therapist. I am also greatly passionate about creating an environment for you, one where you can feel seen and can show up to each session being true to who you are, how you're feeling in the moment without judgement, and a space to process all the areas of your life causing significant emotional distress. I also offer a safe therapy environment for you to process where healing can begin in your life. I enjoy incorporating psychoeducation into my practice and find that it can be refreshingly empowering to us in all our complexities when we are clearly able to understand ourselves more and how everything is interconnected with our brain and the manifestation in our bodies. I find that therapy is not only a space for you as an individual, there is also another aspect of it that creates a space for families and groups to foster better relational resilience and create deep, meaningful connections. Whether re-building distant or complex family relationship dynamics, healing from family wounds and family trauma and difficult communication conflicts within your family, I want you to know that therapy is a safe environment that can help you begin that journey to creating positive emotional bonds with your loved ones. Lastly, I want you to know that you have something special to offer to the world and that is your story and resilience that no one else has ever walked through besides you. You don't have to carry it all alone anymore. You are worthy of being your most authentic self, sharing your story, and creating a more joyous and meaningful life, one that brings peace to your mind that you've been looking for all along. Please reach out to me today, as I'd love to connect with you & walk with you on your path to emotional healing and wellness. ~Keep pushing. The road ahead for your your life is beautiful.~