Maria F. Sierra
Hi! I am a licensed clinical social worker (licensed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida and Delaware) with over 25 years of professional social work experience, specializing in medical social work. My focus is assisting individuals or family members cope with a cancer diagnosis or life after cancer.
In addition to that, I have a unique interest in, and experience with, helping folks manage end of life issues and cope with grief and loss.
In addition to that, I have a unique interest in, and experience with, helping folks manage end of life issues and cope with grief and loss. Other areas of interest for me include helping those coping with life transitions and assisting with executive and professional coaching, especially helping those working in healthcare. My role is support and guidance, utilizing an eclectic strength-based approach. I help individuals find their way through their unique journey with compassion and insight.
First session
I do require new clients complete their intake form and assessments at least one day prior to the Intake session. In your first session, we will go over basic information and intake questions. We will discuss what brought to your therapy and what your goals are. We will determine if it feels like a good fit on both sides. My goal is to find the best resource for you, even if it's not me!
Strengths
I have unique experience in helping individuals in healthcare and that has allowed me to understand the ways that life stressors can test all of us and the ways that circumstances and environments we are a part of, impact us. What I have learned is the incredible capacity people have to utilize their existing strengths to face difficulties and find great resiliency. Although the private therapy space is fairly new to me, I have worked with individuals, families and groups providing social work services for over 25 years.
Ideal clients
My primary practice focus is clients coping with the impact and complexity of medical issues, especially cancer. Whether new diagnosis, active treatment, cancer survivorship or advanced cancer, I am here to partner with you, to help you find ways to lighten your burden, and support you as you navigate this journey. I also specialize in coping with end of life issues as well as bereavement, loss and grief. I am here for individuals or family members impacted by any of these concerns. I have found that people who are thrust into either medical challenges or experiencing either anticipated loss or grief can benefit from processing accompanying thoughts and emotions, problem-solving practical concerns, exploring existential considerations and targeting meaningful goals.
Treatment methods
Strength-Based
Strength-based treatment is a cornerstone of my counseling, believing individuals are the expert of their own story and are able to utilize their own strengths to overcome challenges with guidance and support.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing allows clients to explore patterns and work collaborative on their identified goals.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT and CBT to not just help clients identify how thoughts, emotions and behaviors function for them but to empower them for growth through both mindfulness and action.
Eclectic
I utilize many therapeutic approaches with clients based on individuals needs, I am able to pull from different treatment modalities.
Grief Therapy
I am a certified grief counselor and use grief therapy to address the impact of losses and assist clients in understanding and managing grief reactions.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- ConnecticutLicense 58.006023
- MassachusettsLicense LICSW127851