LCSW-C, 12 years of experience
I am a clinically licensed bilingual mental health therapist at Pathways to Breakthroughs located in Maryland. For 12 years, I have provided compassionate strength-based therapeutic services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. I conduct diagnostic assessments and create treatment plans that will support and empower clients to manifest change in their lives. I value the importance of holding a safe space for clients to share and process their experience of life. Listening and helping clients find the way that works best for them is a privilege that I do not take lightly. I believe everyone needs a space to share, identify, process and determine “what now” as that is what helps us better manage our present and create our future.
In our first session, I will ask questions that allow me to understand what led the client to seek therapy services. I will gather necessary information by conducting a comprehensive assessment which allows me to begin understanding the client as a whole in addition to the issue that led them to seek therapy.
My strength as a licensed mental health therapist is my ability to connect with clients where they are in that moment of their life and explore their thoughts and feelings in a way that makes them feel understood while empowering them to be authentic with themselves about where they really are in a feeling or thought.
I have experience providing therapy to adults, families, and adolescents. My clients are looking to process and work through known issues or are looking for safe space to talk through current and/or past experiences and how that has or is impacting their lives and find ways to cope with emotions and heal.
I have found CBT treatment modality to be very effective when working with clients that have depression and anxiety. It allows clients to breakdown and explore the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It also allows us to explore triggers and helpful coping skills.
I find this treatment modality to be most effective with clients that are looking to overcome a specific problem or reach a particular goal and feel like they just need a little bit of help. With this modality I use different techniques and questions to help the client connect with strengths and resources they already have and have successfully leveraged in the past. It is a way of awakening and reconnecting them to the solutions/options that they already have floating around in their mind and/or heart.
I utilize the SFT modality to improve family dynamics and connections. I focus on the family system as a whole and the role each individual plays in the spoken and unspoken interactions amongst family members. This approach allows me to identify patterns and provide family members with different ways of relating while also becoming aware of the role everyone plays in the different interactions.
3 ratings with written reviews
May 29, 2025
Mariana has had a profound impact on my growth. What stands out most is her unique blend of humor and honesty. She lightens heavy moments without ever minimizing them. She is direct, which I appreciate deeply; She delivers truth with care and clarity. Mariana's open-mindedness creates a safe space where I feel truly seen and accepted. She empowers me to take ownership of my life, not by fixing things for me, but by helping me uncover my own strength. I can't recommend Mariana enough.
March 25, 2025
I can’t recommend Mariana enough! She is kind, patient, and really takes the time to listen and understand. I always leave our sessions feeling lighter and more confident. She has helped me work through so much with her thoughtful guidance and support. If you’re looking for a therapist who truly cares and creates a safe and comfortable space, she’s the one!
March 19, 2025
Mariana is truly incredible—authentic, warm, and open-minded. Every session feels like a safe space where I’m challenged to think deeply and grow in ways I didn’t expect. Her insight and guidance have made a huge difference in my life, and I always leave feeling heard and understood. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares and helps you see things from new perspectives, I highly recommend Mariana!