Hi, I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative approach to therapy. I believe that meaningful change happens when you feel safe, heard, and supported—so I focus on creating a space where you can show up exactly as you are. I specialize in helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship challenges using evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Whether you’re navigating everyday stressors or facing a more complex emotional struggle, I’m here to walk alongside you with tools, insight, and encouragement. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your life—one step at a time.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we’ll talk about what brought you to therapy and what you’d like to get out of it. I’ll ask some questions to get to know you better and understand your goals, but I’ll also go at your pace. You can expect a comfortable and supportive space where we start building a roadmap for your progress together.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Clients often tell me I’m relatable, easy to talk to, and nonjudgmental. I bring structure and clarity to the therapy process, helping you feel more in control of your emotions and goals. I balance support with real talk, so you always feel encouraged while also being gently challenged to grow.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I work best with adults who are ready to make meaningful changes but need support getting started. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just need someone to help you sort things out and create a plan, I’m here for you. I’m a great fit for clients who want a supportive, practical therapist to guide them through everyday challenges without judgment.
About Maria Lam
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience using CBT to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to distressing emotions and behaviors. In my practice, I use CBT to collaboratively explore cognitive distortions, implement structured thought-challenging techniques, and develop coping strategies that promote long-term behavioral change. I find it especially effective with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, offering them a practical and goal-oriented framework for understanding and managing their symptoms.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is a powerful modality I use to help clients shift their relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions by fostering psychological flexibility. In practice, I guide clients to clarify their values, accept what is outside of their control, and commit to actions aligned with their goals. This approach is especially helpful for clients dealing with anxiety, trauma, and life transitions, as it promotes self-compassion and long-term behavioral change through value-driven living rather than symptom elimination alone.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
My experience with DBT has primarily been in supporting clients with emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and interpersonal challenges. I utilize DBT skills such as distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness in both individual and group settings. I focus on building a validating therapeutic environment while helping clients learn how to tolerate discomfort, manage intense emotions, and improve their relationships. I tailor DBT strategies to the client’s readiness and needs, often blending it with other approaches to increase engagement and efficacy.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I integrate mindfulness-based practices into therapy to help clients cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce emotional reactivity. This approach allows individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, which is particularly beneficial for managing anxiety, chronic stress, and emotional dysregulation. I often incorporate breathwork, body scans, and guided mindfulness exercises into sessions, and I teach clients how to apply these tools in their daily lives to build resilience and emotional balance.