Maria DeJesus
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I teach the basic premise of the CBT triangle: how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. I assist clients in developing greater self-awareness by helping them recognize their automatic thoughts, identify the emotions connected to those thoughts, and understand how their thoughts and emotions may influence their behaviors. I then help clients engage in cognitive restructuring by examining the thoughts and beliefs that may be contributing to emotional distress or unhelpful patterns of behavior. Together, we explore the evidence for and against a thought, consider alternative perspectives, and work toward developing more balanced and realistic ways of thinking. I also use CBT to help clients identify patterns of avoidance, negative self-talk, and behaviors that may be reinforcing their difficulties. Depending on the client's needs and treatment goals, I incorporate problem-solving, coping skills, and behavioral strategies to help clients practice new ways of responding outside of the therapy session.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I use Trauma-Focused CBT to help clients understand and process the ways traumatic experiences can affect their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. I begin by establishing safety and trust and creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, respected, and in control of their own therapeutic process. I help clients develop an understanding of how trauma can influence the way they view themselves, others, and the world around them. We work on identifying trauma-related thoughts and beliefs, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns that may have developed as a way of coping with or protecting themselves from what they experienced. A significant part of my work involves teaching clients coping and emotional regulation skills, including identifying emotions, recognizing triggers, grounding techniques, relaxation strategies, and developing healthy ways to manage distress. Once clients have developed an appropriate level of safety and coping skills, I may help them gradually process aspects of their traumatic experiences in a way that is developmentally appropriate and consistent with their readiness and treatment goals.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- PennsylvaniaLicense CW022692