Licensed to practice in 3 states. Specializes in ADHD, Autism, Family Therapy and 10 more.
(she/her)
Hello, I am Dr. Arenas Nieves, a licensed therapist in Arizona, Florida, and New York, with over 16 years of experience supporting individuals on their journey toward mental and emotional wellness. I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors, and I am fluent in both English and Spanish. Although I have worked with many populations throughout my career, my niche includes military service members, veterans, their families, and underrepresented community members such as people of color, neurodivergent individuals, and LGBTQIA+ clients. I specialize in ADHD, family dynamics, LGBTQIA+ identity and exploration, and relationship challenges, as well as anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, anger management, grief and loss, cultural and ethnic concerns, maternal and men's mental health, and chronic conditions. My style is affirming, inquisitive, and solution-oriented. I aim to create a collaborative, judgment-free space where you feel supported, seen, and empowered to make meaningful change. I am a passionate clinician who believes in collaboration, authenticity, and honoring every part of your experience. In therapy, we will work together to identify the best evidence-based approaches to help you reach your goals while affirming your personal values, culture, and strengths. Throughout my career, I have supported military service members, veterans and their families, as well as people from diverse backgrounds—including those exploring their ethnic, gender, and sexual identities, young people navigating challenges, and couples strengthening relationships. What makes my approach unique is that I do not just rely on proven methods—I also honor the parts of your life that matter most to you, like your spirituality, personal values, and what makes you uniquely you. I am direct and genuine, deeply committed to helping you reach your wellness goals.
During our first session, you can expect a high level of curiosity on my part related to your development up to this point, your self-described difficulties, and your goals. The first session is the longest session—scheduled for 60-75 minutes—and serves as a comprehensive exploration of your needs. This time allows us to explore whether we are a good fit for your wellness journey. If we are a good fit, I will share my clinical impressions and recommendations for care. You can expect therapy with me to feel affirming, engaging, and deeply personalized. My goal is to create a space where you can show up fully as yourself—where every part of who you are is valued, understood, and supported. (Please note: session rates may vary for couples or family sessions. Feel free to schedule a consult call with me to see if we’re a good fit!)
In my therapeutic work, I engage clients using models known to improve mental wellness while ensuring I incorporate the unique factors that make you who you are. Whether that includes culture, spirituality, gender, sexuality, or neurotype, I am a dynamic clinician able to integrate the different dimensions of your identity for a holistic support experience. I use approaches that have helped countless people break free from patterns that no longer serve them. One method helps you shift the way you think about your experiences, which can make a real difference in how you feel. Another approach focuses on finding practical solutions that work for you and your loved ones, helping you move forward in meaningful ways. Here is what I want you to know: You are not alone. We all face difficult moments in our lives. And while it can feel isolating, you do not have to go through it by yourself. I am here to walk alongside you on your path toward healing and growth. Are you ready to start your journey to mental wellness?
My ideal clients are individuals, couples, and families from diverse communities who are navigating mental health challenges shaped by their unique life experiences. I am best positioned to serve those facing common concerns like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, life transitions, parenting stress, and work-related pressures—especially when these difficulties are complicated by factors such as military service, veteran status, cultural identity, gender exploration, or sexual orientation. I work particularly well with clients who are ready to engage in a collaborative, solution-focused process and who value a therapist that honors the full complexity of their identity. Whether you are a service member adjusting to civilian life, a parent balancing cultural expectations with modern parenting, a neurodivergent individual seeking affirming care, or someone exploring their gender or sexual identity, I bring both clinical expertise and deep respect for your lived experience. My ideal clients are open to exploring how their culture, spirituality, values, and personal strengths can be integrated into the healing process. They appreciate a therapist who is direct, genuine, and inquisitive—someone who will ask thoughtful questions and work alongside them to develop personalized strategies for growth. If you are seeking a space where every part of who you are is valued and understood, where your challenges are met with compassion and evidence-based care, and where you can show up authentically without judgment, we may be a great fit. I am here to support you in breaking free from patterns that no longer serve you and to walk beside you on your path toward healing, growth, and meaningful change.
Other specialties
I identify as
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
In using Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) therapy, I support my clients in acknowledging, allowing, accommodating, and appreciating all of their emotions to support improved life satisfaction.
Attachment-based
Attachment-based therapy is a model through which I support parents and their children in improving their relationships. More so, with this model as a framework, I support the individuals' ability to self-determine their values and boundaries. In doing so, clients can learn healthy ways to see themselves and the world.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidenced based model that helps individuals identify unhelpful cycles of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that lead to anxious and depressed moods. I often use this model with clients who prefer logical practices and that are self-aware. I have had significant success helping clients overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties using this model.
Couples Counseling
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy, my couples counseling skills include helping individuals with different attachment styles, upbringings, cultural heritage, and other view points identify, develop, and implement the types of relationships they desire.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical behavior Therapy (DBT) combines mindfulness strategy with behavioral strategies to support clients who struggle with severe or intense negative feelings. In using this model, I am often able to teach clients different mindfulness strategies that support not only self-regulation, but increased tolerance of the stimuli that is initially difficult for them. Once the client has the skills needed to tolerate the distressing stimuli, I help them make choices about their behavior and support them as they make changes that support the way they want to behave and feel.