Hello! My name is Maria Ruiz, I'd like to introduce myself as a motivating and striving individual. In my professional work I collaborate, support, and encourage clients to achieve a balance life, happy, and safe. In my eight years of counseling experience I have worked with several individuals from all walks of life. I have assisted people navigate through their healing journey as they grieve from death, relationships, trauma, and other life events. I have worked with domestic violence victims to rebuild their lives, find who they are, and learn to live a safe and validating life. I have guided people to explore their depression, anxiety, and anger for a better understanding of themselves and their ability to take control of their lives. As a clinician I am passionate, empathetic, energetic, and direct that will provide you with kind, genuine, and reflective directives to walk along side your ability to achieve your goals.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I meet client where they are at, in their stage of change. I will listen to you empathically and remain respectful of you and your choices. We will work together to co-create your goals to power you up from within. I will be honest and direct in an effort to continue motivating you to be your best self.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
In my eight years of therapy I have worked with children, teen, and adult. I have conducted individual, family, and group counseling. I've worked heavily with clients suffering of depression; feeling hopeless, alone, and unmotivated. I support clients with anxiety; challenge their cognitive distortions and the fear that often prevents us from achieving our goals. I have supported families in building stronger bonds and increasing healthy lines of communication all while breaking down barriers. I have worked with clients with severe trauma; ranging some sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and all the dynamics of what domestic abuse can be.
About Maria Ruiz
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Fully bookedMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
With nine years of experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I work collaboratively with clients to build awareness around behavioral patterns, challenge unhelpful thinking, and take practical steps toward lasting change. I help individuals recognize the triggers that lead to emotional distress and anxiety, often uncovering deeper trauma beneath those responses. In our work together, we explore these experiences with compassion, developing the resilience and grit needed to move through discomfort and into growth. I believe in the power of therapy to not only heal but to empower clients in building lives that align with their values and strengths.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In addition to CBT, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in expanding their awareness of emotional responses and building a broader set of coping tools. DBT offers valuable skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance, which help clients recognize they have options in how they respond to challenges. I encourage practices like mindful awareness and meaningful hobbies to support self-care and emotional balance. By learning to think more rationally and applying techniques like the “wise mind,” clients gain clarity, self-compassion, and a greater sense of control in their healing process.
Psychoeducation
In all of my approaches, I prioritize psychoeducation as an essential tool for empowering clients. By teaching clients about the “why” and “how” behind their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, I help them better understand themselves and their reactions. This education not only reduces the stigma surrounding mental health but also provides clients with the knowledge they need to respond more calmly and thoughtfully in challenging situations. With this understanding, they can approach their healing with greater confidence, recognizing that emotional struggles are manageable and within their control.