Maria McAllister
I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you should feel comfortable being yourself without judgement. My goal is to create a safe supportive space where you feel heard, understood and respected. We will collaborate on your treatment and at the pace that feels comfortable for you. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, stress, a major life change, or simply feeling stuck in life. We will work at your pace to reach your mental health goals. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds including being an LGBTQ+ ally and affirming.
First session
Our first session together we will be discussing practice policies such as late cancellation fees, no show fees and telehealth expectations. I will welcome any client questions on these policies. Typically we will explore what is bringing the client to therapy at this time. Our first session together is about establishing a foundation for exploring the client's history not fixing the problem. We will explore the precipitating events and the client's feelings and interventions they may have already tried in previous therapy relationships. I will gather background information on mental health history, medical history and current medications. I will ask about substance use, family history, trauma history, social supports and work relationship context with the client. I will also explore the client's risk assessment and client goals for therapy. My goal is to accept my client where they are emotionally, physically and mentally and provide a safe space with reflective listening and welcoming to create a place to explore the client's hopes and goals for therapy.
Strengths
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of experience assisting client in improving their mental health journeys. I am eclectic in my approach to therapy. We will partner on the approach and I will assist you in finding the right approach to help the client to empower themselves to achieve their therapeutic goals. I utilize grief therapy, coaching, trauma therapy (EMDR) CBT and psychodynamic approaches to therapy to assist clients in their mental health journey. I spent most of my life in corporate America and I understand life changes and became a therapist after my 10 year therapy journey along with 10 years of Al-Anon to help assist me in making life decisions.
Ideal clients
I am interested in helping individuals who are confused as to the next direction in life and think they want a change but are open to talking out their fears and road blocks to the change. I am also interested in clients who are struggling with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and PTSD and assist them in taking back their lives and assisting them to achieve mental health wellness.
Treatment methods
EMDR
This therapy modality is very beneficial to clients who suffer from traumas in their life. It is helpful with recent traumas such as car accidents and childhood traumas such as neglect and abuse including physical, emotional and mental.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
This treatment modality is the most effective way to work through depression and anxiety
Grief Therapy
Everyone moves through the grief process at their own pace. My clinical experience as a hospice social worker assists clients through the narrative counseling through the process
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Christian
Woman
Top specialties
Older Adults
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
Other specialties
Anxiety
Career Counseling
Chronic Illness
Depression
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Man
Non-binary
Transgender
Woman
Doesn't specialize in
Couples Counseling
Family Therapy