I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within communities of color. With a Master of Social Work from Florida Atlantic University and a background in sociology from Hunter College, I provide a compassionate, trauma informed space where individuals can heal, grow, and reclaim their sense of power and agency. I specialize in working with trauma, limiting beliefs, and identity related challenges, integrating evidence based practices with holistic and spiritually attuned perspectives. I understand that healing is not one size fits all. Whether you are seeking traditional therapy, spiritually integrated support, or a thoughtful blend of both, I meet you where you are and tailor our work to your needs. I am especially passionate about supporting adoptees, including those navigating transracial adoption, as they explore identity, belonging, attachment, and emotional wellbeing. If you are ready to move beyond survival and toward meaningful transformation, I welcome the opportunity to connect.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we will begin with introductions to create a sense of comfort and connection. I will take time to learn what brought you to therapy, your previous experiences with counseling if any, and what you hope to gain from this process. We will review your intake information together to ensure I have a clear understanding of your history, current concerns, and any relevant background that may inform our work. I operate from a solution focused perspective, which means I do not require you to retell your life story from beginning to present in order to begin healing. While your history matters, we can start with where you are right now. I believe meaningful change can begin in the present moment. From there, we will identify goals and clarify what healing and growth look like for you. You will also have space to ask questions about the therapeutic process. This first session is about building clarity, safety, and alignment so you feel supported and empowered as we move forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my ability to build genuine, meaningful connection. Many clients share that our work together feels different from what they have previously experienced. Whether through cultural understanding, spiritual attunement, or grounded clinical support, I create a space that feels authentic, safe, and empowering. I approach each client as a whole person, honoring their lived experience, values, and identity. My empathic and attentive nature allows me to listen deeply while also helping clients gain clarity and insight. I balance compassion with intentional guidance, ensuring that our work is both supportive and growth oriented. Above all, I prioritize emotional safety. I strive to cultivate an environment where you feel seen, heard, respected, and empowered to explore your healing in a way that feels aligned and meaningful.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am especially passionate about working with people of color seeking culturally responsive, trauma informed therapy. I provide an affirming space to process generational trauma, systemic stress, identity exploration, and the impact of stigma around mental health. I work well with individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, attachment wounds, and limiting beliefs who are ready to move beyond survival patterns and step into greater clarity, confidence, and self trust. My approach blends evidence based therapy with holistic and culturally attuned care, honoring each client’s lived experience while creating a clear path toward meaningful and sustainable growth.
EMDR
I am trained in EMDR, an evidence based therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories and attachment wounds so they no longer carry the same emotional charge. I prioritize stabilization and nervous system regulation before trauma processing, ensuring you feel supported and not overwhelmed. EMDR allows past experiences to be integrated so present day reactions feel less intense and more manageable.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
My work is grounded in Solution Focused Brief Therapy, meaning we do not need to unpack your entire history before change can begin. While your past matters, we start with where you are now. Together we identify strengths, clarify goals, and focus on small, meaningful shifts that build momentum. I balance insight with practical strategies so progress feels tangible and empowering.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma informed care guides all of my work. I prioritize emotional safety, pacing, and nervous system awareness. We build regulation and resilience before exploring painful material. I remain mindful of cultural context, identity, and lived experience, ensuring therapy feels collaborative, grounded, and empowering rather than overwhelming.
Relational
I view the therapeutic relationship as part of the healing process. Many patterns around trust, boundaries, and self worth develop in relationships, so our work creates space to experience connection differently. I bring consistency, attunement, and gentle challenge to help you recognize and update relational patterns that no longer serve you.
2 ratings with written reviews
May 19, 2025
An amazing therapist with great insight, knowledgeable, kind and caring. An outstanding therapist
March 20, 2025
I’ve been in therapy since 2020, and have had 3 different therapists in that time. Maria is the best therapist I’ve ever had, and I wish I would have found her sooner. She is professional, hears you, gives valuable insight, works with you and your goals. Genuinely, Maria has changed my entire life and I couldn’t recommend her more.