ABOUT SHAYA
Shaya Psychotherapy was born out of a vision to offer a healing space where culture, identity, and resilience are honored. Too often, Latinx communities have been met with systems that overlook their unique stories. We wanted to do things differently, providing therapy that feels connected, affirming, and grounded in understanding. Our highly skilled and deeply compassionate team brings extensive training and heartfelt care to every session, ensuring that each person we work with feels truly seen and supported. Our name, Shaya, comes from Quechua, an Indigenous language of South America. It means “the woman who always stands tall” (“Erguida, la que siempre se mantiene en pie”), symbolizing strength, perseverance, and the power to heal despite layered histories. We welcome individuals navigating trauma, identity questions, or intergenerational pain, as well as those experiencing impostor syndrome, mood challenges, work–life balance struggles, and family complexities. With both professional expertise and authentic compassion, we embrace every part of who you are (your culture, your language, your history, your identity). Therapy at Shaya is not just about addressing pain; it’s about reclaiming strength, building compassion, and healing at your own pace and on your own terms. Shaya is more than a therapy practice; it is a home for healing, rooted in connection, culture, and care.
Hi, I’m Alejandra, a bilingual psychotherapist with 15+ years of experience walking alongside people on their healing journeys. I’m passionate about creating a safe, welcoming space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported as you work toward the life you want. My own path - from earning my Psychology degree in Bogotá, Colombia, to completing my master’s in Clinical Psychology in Houston - has taught me the importance of compassion, cultural humility, and connection in every step of the healing process. Over the years, I’ve worked in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, including leadership roles that have shaped how I approach care; with professionalism, evidence-based training, and a deep respect for every person’s story. My work is client-centered and trauma-informed, and I bring advanced training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Phase-Based Trauma Treatment, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), with a special focus on PTSD treatment. I also draw from mindfulness, mind–body-soul practices, social justice frameworks, and ancestral healing traditions to honor the wisdom and resilience of communities of color and intergenerational experiences. As an affirming LGBTQ+ ally, I strive to build inclusive and empowering therapy spaces. Being bilingual in English and Spanish allows me to connect with clients in the language where they feel most authentic. My goal is to support you not just in healing from trauma or managing life challenges, but in thriving - reclaiming your life and embracing your right to experience joy, pleasure, and deep satisfaction.
I am a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Supervisor in Texas with 10+ years of experience. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree from Florida International University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice. I also completed a post master’s fellowship focused on Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery. My therapeutic approach is trauma informed, person centered, culturally humble and affirming. I practice from a humanistic, person in environment approach and through a strength and empowerment-based lens. As a social worker I am passionate about social justice and recognize how systemic issues and oppressive environments impact our ability to thrive. I specialize in working with adults who have lived traumatic experiences that continue to overwhelm them. I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I am passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, gain awareness of patterns that keep them stuck, and ultimately make choices that align with their values and goals. I offer virtual therapy to adults residing in Texas.
I am a bilingual administrative assistant and have worked in the medical field for over 10 years. I have extensive experience as an intake specialist with an emphasis on Latinx individuals. I highly commend those who take steps towards improving their mental health and I feel honored to assist them throughout this process.
OUR TEAM
We know how hard it can be to find a therapist who truly understands your story. At Shaya Psychotherapy, we meet you with care, respect, and cultural humility.
We offer trauma-informed therapy for teens, adults, and families, with a focus on supporting Latinx women and affirming LGBTQ+ individuals.
Our goal is simple: to create a safe, inclusive space where your identity is honored and your healing feels authentic. Based in Houston, we also provide telehealth across Texas so wherever you are, we’re here for you.
Founder + Psychotherapist
Alejandra Restrepo, MA, LPC
Alejandra is a bilingual psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience, dedicated to walking alongside clients with care, cultural humility, and compassion on their healing journey.
She / Hers.
Psychotherapist
Obiangelis Garcia, LCSW-S
Obi is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She creates safe, affirming spaces for adults to heal from trauma, reclaim their voice, and thrive despite the systemic barriers around them
She / Hers.
Administrative Assistant
Heazel Payne
Heazel, is is a bilingual administrative assistant with over 10 years of medical field experience, honored to welcome clients and support them as they take courageous steps toward healing.
She / Hers.
