I am a bilingual LCSW with over 10 years of experience working in the human services field; focusing on mental health, behavior, and non-profit work. I grew up in Los Angeles, Ca., completed my Master of Social Work at Fordham University in the Bronx, NY., and currently reside in Ocala, Fl. As an LCSW I treat clients from across the lifespan with varying therapeutic needs by applying an integrative approach to treatment. Some of my areas of experience include treating family systems and individuals navigating intergenerational trauma, parents and children dealing with challenging behavior, neurodivergent populations, and individuals with a desire to better understand themselves and the maladaptive behaviors causing distress, mood issues, and anxiety. Areas of specialty include working with young adults navigating life after high school, parenting individuals/partners, and those who identify as Latina women struggling to balance relationships, family, individual needs, and independence. I believe that everyone and their experiences are unique, this is why I meet clients where they are in their life journey, empowering them to find and enhance solutions and coping skills that meet their needs. Although I am trained in CBT and DBT these interventions are only a part of my integrative approach to treatment. Client-centered care remains at the center of treatment; as there is not one single intervention that is best for all. Your treatment is yours, together we will create a treatment plan that empowers you.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session I focus on getting to know you and your needs. You can expect me to ask about symptoms you are experiencing and what you would like to be different in your daily experiences. This is also an opportunity to collaborate and get to know one another, questions about treatment and our work together are encouraged.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
An area of strength for me is my work with those who identify as Latina women who are struggling to create a life-work-career balance. As a first-generation Mexican, I understand the toll that acculturation takes on us and our relationships. Latin women stressors are unique and can cause significant distress for Latinas as the varying generations that make up our Latin community can interpret our strengths in a variety of ways. Latinas with this experience present to therapy because they are overwhelmed with these stressors making them feel as if they are not doing enough or that they don't belong. In sessions, we give these emotions, stressors, and anxiety meaning. Providing clients with clarity and coping skills to better manage; creating opportunities for the balance they deserve.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I thoroughly enjoy my role as a therapist and enjoy working with a variety of populations. However, I am most experienced in supporting those who identify as; women, Hispanic, immigrant, neurodivergent, caregivers, and those who struggle with mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, intergenerational trauma, immature family systems, life transitions, and
About Maria Cevallos
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Attachment-based
Many of my clients present to session due to exposure to immature parents and relationships. In sessions we explore how early relationships with caregivers and others whom we are close to have shaped current emotional patterns, self-perception, and interpersonal connections. Through a secure therapeutic relationship, we foster emotional safety, trust, and corrective experiences, allowing clients to develop healthier attachment styles and improve their relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
By using structured techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, and coping skills training, I empower clients to develop healthier thinking patterns and more effective ways of managing stress and emotions. Through CBT we learn to harness the power of yet.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In sessions clients learn to balance acceptance and change by learning skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Through a structured and validating approach, clients are supported in managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and developing healthier coping strategies.
Trauma-Focused CBT
This form of CBT focuses on the traumas that may have disrupted our lives. TF-CBT helps clients process and heal from traumatic experiences by combining trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive-behavioral techniques. Through gradual exposure, cognitive restructuring, and coping skills training, clients learn to reduce trauma-related distress, improving emotional regulation, and developing a healthier sense of safety and control.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
This is crucial to most interventions especially trauma or anxiety work. Mindfulness helps clients cultivate present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Through practices like meditation, breathwork, and mindful observation, clients can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and develop a greater sense of inner balance and resilience.