Maria Aldaco

LCSW, 6 years of experience
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New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

I am a licensed therapist with specialized training in evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate emotional challenges, build coping skills, and improve their quality of life. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. I strive to create a supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment. We will begin by discussing what brings you to therapy and any goals or concerns you have. I will ask about your background, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve, but you are always welcome to share at your own pace. Together, we’ll talk about how the therapy process works and address any questions you might have. My goal is for you to leave the session feeling heard, supported, and with a clear sense of our next steps moving forward.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What stands out about my therapeutic approach is my commitment to combining evidence-based practices with genuine compassion and collaboration. I draw primarily from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), tailoring these methods to each client’s unique needs and goals. My sessions emphasize practical skill-building, self-awareness, and real-world application, so clients leave with tools they can immediately incorporate into daily life. Clients often share that they appreciate the balance I strike between acceptance and change, as well as the structured yet flexible nature of our work together. I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered and supported. As a result, many experience greater emotional resilience, improved relationships, and a clearer path toward their personal goals.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to serve individuals who are motivated to make meaningful changes in their lives, even if they are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. My approach is especially well-suited for clients experiencing challenges such as emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, difficulties with relationships, or patterns of self-defeating behavior. I work effectively with those who may struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, or a history of self-harm. Many of my clients come to therapy seeking practical tools to manage stress, improve their coping skills, and build healthier relationships. I also work well with individuals who are open to learning evidence-based strategies, such as those found in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and who value a collaborative, supportive therapeutic relationship. Whether clients are working toward specific goals—such as reducing anxiety, improving mood, or developing better communication skills—or are seeking broader personal growth and self-understanding, I provide a structured yet flexible environment tailored to their unique needs. I am committed to helping clients build insight, resilience, and lasting positive change.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Other specialties

I identify as

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I have extensive experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my clinical practice. Over the years, I have completed advanced training in CBT and have applied its principles to support clients with a variety of concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, and stress-related issues. In my work, I use CBT to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to their emotional distress. Together, we work on developing practical strategies and coping skills, such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and problem-solving techniques. I also incorporate homework assignments and real-life exercises to reinforce the skills learned during sessions and promote long-term change. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring that interventions are relevant and meaningful. I regularly monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary to achieve the best outcomes for my clients. Overall, CBT has proven to be an effective and evidence-based approach in my practice, empowering clients to take an active role in their own mental health and well-being.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I have extensive experience utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in my clinical practice. I have completed formal training in DBT and have applied its principles in both individual and group therapy settings. My work has included clients presenting with a range of concerns, including emotional dysregulation, mood disorders, self-harm, and borderline personality disorder. In my practice, I integrate the core components of DBT, which include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. I work collaboratively with clients to teach and reinforce these skills, tailoring interventions to their unique needs. This often involves the use of DBT worksheets, behavioral chain analyses, and diary cards to help clients track progress and practice skills between sessions. I also emphasize the importance of validation and a nonjudgmental therapeutic stance, which are central to DBT. By balancing acceptance and change strategies, I support clients in building greater emotional resilience, improving relationships, and achieving their personal goals. DBT has proven to be a highly effective framework in my work, and I am committed to ongoing professional development in this modality to best serve my clients.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.