Dr. Ami Zala’s journey in psychology has been shaped by a deep appreciation for diversity and a strong understanding of different perspectives, stemming from her upbringing as a child of immigrants. This background inspired her to pursue psychology as a means to better understand the complexities of human behavior. Dr. Zala began her academic journey at Hofstra University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in both Psychology and Economics. Throughout her studies, she gained valuable experience working in cognitive laboratories, researching topics such as attention, memory, and emotion. During this time, she also made a meaningful impact by volunteering at the Long Island Crisis Center, providing support to individuals struggling with suicidal ideation.
Dr. Zala continued her education at Long Island University Post, where she earned both her Master of Science in Applied Psychology and her Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.). Her graduate studies emphasized a multi-orientation approach, encompassing Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Relational Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). During this period, she worked closely with children and their families to address externalizing behaviors and disorders, and with college-aged students facing challenges related to trauma, first-generation issues, and immigration.
To further deepen her expertise in trauma and its impact, Dr. Zala completed her internship at the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn Campus, where she worked with veterans and active-duty servicemen to address concerns such as combat and sexual trauma.
After earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Zala served at the renowned Northport VA Medical Center, a leading facility dedicated to treating the psychological and physical wounds of military service. There, she specialized in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), using these evidence-based approaches to help veterans overcome combat and non-combat-related trauma, navigate medical challenges, and rebuild their lives with strength and resilience.
Dr. Zala integrates these evidence-based approaches into her work with EMDR, creating a comprehensive and effective treatment for trauma recovery. By combining EMDR’s ability to reprocess distressing memories with the mindfulness and values-based strategies of ACT and the behavioral change techniques of Motivational Interviewing, she helps clients break free from past trauma while building a stronger, more fulfilling future. Her approach not only alleviates emotional distress but also empowers individuals to regain control, develop resilience, and move forward with confidence and clarity.
Dr. Zala is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the profound impact of trauma, grief, and emotional challenges. She integrates a diverse range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills.
With specialized expertise in trauma and PTSD, complex PTSD, childhood physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse, relationship issues and trauma, race-related traumatic stress, grief and loss, shame and guilt, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem and confidence challenges, Dr. Zala tailors her approach to meet each client's unique needs.
Dr. Zala is committed to understanding the unique identities and personal histories of each individual, acknowledging that everyone’s journey is shaped by a rich interplay of past experiences, cultural influences, and inherent strengths. Her holistic approach to therapy focuses on helping clients reprocess “frozen” memories that continue to affect their daily lives. Drawing from a broad range of therapeutic techniques, Dr. Zala tailors her practice to address the complexities of each person’s unique experiences. Central to her approach is the foundational principle of EMDR theory: that every person has the innate ability to heal from within. Dr. Zala believes that by creating a warm and secure environment, individuals can connect with their inner strength and forge a path toward lasting recovery. Through this journey, Dr. Zala guides clients in transforming their past pain into a source of resilience, ultimately enabling them to lead more fulfilling and self-empowered lives.
With a rich foundation in EMDR, CBT, DBT, ACT, MI, and Psychodynamic and Relational Therapy, Dr. Zala works with individuals navigating the impacts of combat trauma, childhood physical and emotional abuse, cultural stress, grief, relationship challenges, and struggles with confidence and self-esteem. Her therapeutic approach fosters a transformative shift from a sense of helplessness to one of agency and resilience. In partnership with her clients, Dr. Zala helps individuals create lives grounded in purpose and lasting satisfaction.
Dr. Zala's ultimate mission is to help clients liberate themselves from the constraints of past experiences and reclaim control over their narratives. Rooted in a person-centered philosophy, she empowers clients to heal, grow, and build a future brimming with fulfillment, hope, and limitless potential.
Formal Education
Other Specialized Trainings
Trauma & PTSD
Relationship issues & trauma