Karla Gonzalez
I believe that healing happens when people feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where you can explore life's challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change at your own pace. My background as a clinical social worker has given me extensive experience supporting individuals and families through crisis, trauma, life transitions, and complex family dynamics. I have a special interest in working with women, teens, survivors of interpersonal violence, and individuals healing from trauma and sexual abuse. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and collaborative. Together, we will identify your strengths, develop practical ongoing strategies, and work toward the goals that matter most to you. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating a major life transition, or simply looking for a space to process your experiences, you don't have to do it alone. I strive to create an environment where you feel respected, empowered, and supported as we work together toward healing and lasting change.
First session
I know reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating. My goal is to make our first session feel like a conversation where you can begin to exhale. We will explore what prompted you to begin therapy and you can share as much or as little as you are comfortable sharing. We can explore your goals and your expectations.
Strengths
I bring compassion, authenticity, and a calm nonjudgmental presence to every session. My experience working with individuals and families during some of their most difficult moments has strengthened my ability to remain grounded, empathetic, and solution-focused, even when life feel overwhelming.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is Spanish-speaking, or bilingual, and/or with a mixed family status. My ideal client is also an immigrant parent struggling with their adolescent's behavior, and/or have experience traumas such as sexual abuse/assault, or interpersonal violence. Another ideal client is a teen engaged in at-risk behaviors, struggling with school and/or family pressures and/or family conflicts. My ideal client ranges from teenagers to adults.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, stress, or low self-esteem and replace them with more balanced, realistic perspectives.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- MarylandLicense 27700