New to Grow
Hello, I am Maria Morales, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, born and raised in San Fernando Valley. I received my Undergraduate Degree in Liberal Studies from Mount Saint Mary's University in 2010 and continued my education at the University of Southern California receiving my Master in Social Work and Public Health in 2015. Establishing rapport is essential in psychotherapy as well as maintaining confidentiality. I often draws on my shared cultural experiences with clients, fostering an environment where openness and vulnerability are encouraged. I am mindful of the cultural nuances in communication styles that may affect trust and disclosure while we work together in therapy to understand the "why" we need therapy to change life patterns that just aren't working anymore.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first session serves as an opportunity where we discuss: what brings you to therapy, your background, current challenges, and goals while giving the space for a confidential space that is warm and judgement free. It gives you and I the opportunity to see if we are a good fit for each other before jumping immediately into a deep and intense processing session.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I meet my clients where they are at in their lives while offering them direct communication and challenge when appropriate. While having a profound appreciation for diversity and the unique challenges faced by individuals from different backgrounds; i foster self-determination and healthy relationship-building to help clients feel safe, connected and comfortable in a therapeutic environment. My goal is to help dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health in the Latinx community, emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength rather than weakness.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My core principle as a therapist is to ensure that every client feels safe in session, comfortable when creating therapeutic relationship. I continue to work with your adults (18-40) navigating life, relationships, school and society in both languages- English and Spanish. * First-generation Latinx often face a unique set of challenges and responsibilities as they navigate the complexities of maintaining their cultural roots while adapting to new environments which lead to internal burnout because they need to "have it all together." The goal of intervention will be to decouple self-worth from productivity and develop authentic self-compassion. * Clients that struggle with interpersonal relationships. These individuals find themselves repeating the same painful patterns in their personal lives and are finally ready to look at the "why." We work on therapy goals that will help build secure attachments and learn how to communicate needs in new ways. * Clients who are facing a significant life pivot and feel their old coping mechanisms are no longer working for them. The goal in therapy will be to find clarity and ground themselves in their values during times of chaos.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
The Solution-focused treatment approach emphasizes your strengths and insights, guiding you to discover your own solutions rather than relying solely on external advice. Through focused conversations, we can identify your goals, explore past successes, and develop actionable steps to strengthen your coping skills for future life events.
Motivational Interviewing
By meeting you where you are, Maria can facilitate meaningful conversations that empower you to reflect on your situation and identify your goals. This method emphasizes: Empathy: Understanding your feelings and experiences without judgment. Active Listening: Truly hearing what you say to build trust and rapport. Non-directive Guidance: Rather than giving advice, helping you explore your thoughts and feelings so you can find your own paths forward.