LCSW, 10 years of experience
Hello and welcome! My name is Maria Gutierrez, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida dedicated to providing a safe, compassionate, and supportive space for individuals to navigate life’s challenges. With ten years of experience in the mental health field, I strive to empower clients by helping them identify their strengths, explore their emotions, and create meaningful, lasting change. I specialize in working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment to life changes, and substance use challenges, but I am open to supporting anyone seeking guidance and growth. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll identify practical strategies to address current struggles, build resilience, and align your life with your values. Therapy is a journey, and my goal is to walk alongside you as you take steps toward greater self-awareness, balance, and well-being. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready to explore a new direction, I invite you to reach out. Let’s work together to create the positive changes you deserve.
In our first session together, we’ll start by getting to know each other and creating a comfortable, judgment-free space for you to share your story. I’ll ask about what brings you to therapy, the challenges you’re currently facing, and any goals or hopes you have for our work together. This will give me a better understanding of your unique needs and help us develop a personalized plan for moving forward. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about my approach, share any concerns you have about therapy, and discuss what you’re looking for in a therapist. By the end of our session, we’ll have a clear idea of how we can work together to support your growth and help you navigate the path toward the changes you’re seeking.
My greatest strengths as a provider lie in my ability to create a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard and supported. With over 10years of experience working with adults and adolescents, I have honed my skills in helping clients identify the root causes of their challenges while equipping them with practical tools to foster meaningful change. I excel at combining evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a holistic, client-centered perspective, ensuring that our work aligns with your unique values and goals. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, I’m dedicated to helping you build resilience, improve self-awareness, and achieve measurable progress toward the life you envision.
I enjoy working with adults and adolescents navigating significant life transitions, whether it’s adjusting to a new phase of life, coping with the weight of anxiety or depression, or healing from trauma. My clients are often insightful and motivated to grow but may feel uncertain about how to start or sustain meaningful change. They frequently express feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure about how to align their lives with their values and aspirations. I’m particularly drawn to supporting individuals who are balancing personal and professional demands, grappling with self-doubt, or seeking to rebuild their confidence and sense of purpose. Whether you’re facing everyday stressors, deeper emotional challenges, or simply striving for a better version of yourself, I’m here to help you discover the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to move forward with clarity and resilience.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used, evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can be particularly effective in working with adults, adolescents, and individuals facing challenges like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, client-centered approach that helps clients explore and resolve ambivalence toward change. It pairs well with CBT, as both approaches focus on empowering clients.