Maritza Kerekes, PsyD - Psychologist at Grow Therapy

Maritza Kerekes

Maritza Kerekes

(she/her)

PsyD
29 years of experience
Virtual

I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges while fostering personal growth and emotional well-being. My approach is holistic and integrative, drawing from various therapeutic modalities to tailor sessions to each person's unique needs. With a focus on anxiety, self-esteem, and women’s issues, I provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, heal from past experiences, and develop the tools to lead more fulfilling lives. My goal is to empower you to overcome obstacles, embrace your strengths, and create lasting positive change.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In your first session with me, you can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where we begin to explore what brings you to therapy. We'll discuss your current challenges, personal history, and goals for our work together. I’ll ask questions to better understand your experiences, and you’ll have the opportunity to share at your own pace. Together, we’ll develop a plan that addresses your unique needs, helping you feel more grounded and empowered as we move forward. This initial session is about building trust, clarifying your priorities, and setting the foundation for meaningful progress.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

With 29+ years of experience working with individuals of all ages, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my empathy, intuition, and ability to create a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients. I have a deep understanding of the emotional complexities people face, and I’m skilled at guiding them through difficult emotions with compassion and care. My integrative approach allows me to tailor therapy to each individual's needs, drawing on a variety of therapeutic techniques to support their healing process. I am also highly attuned to empowering clients, helping them build resilience, overcome obstacles, and unlock their potential for growth and self-discovery.

About Maritza Kerekes

Specializes in

DepressionTrauma and PTSD

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you identify and understand the negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to your emotional distress. I'll guide you in challenging these thoughts and replacing them with more positive, realistic ones, fostering a stronger sense of self-worth. By developing practical coping strategies and skills, you'll learn to manage your distress and respond to life’s challenges with greater confidence and resilience.

Supportive

Supportive psychotherapy is a cornerstone of my approach to helping individuals navigate their mental and emotional challenges. This therapeutic method focuses on providing encouragement, empathy, and practical guidance to support you through difficult times. I utilize a supportive psychotherapy modality by creating a safe and compassionate space where you can express your feelings and experiences without judgment. Together, we will explore your thoughts and emotions, identify underlying patterns, and develop healthier ways to cope with stress and adversity. Through empathetic listening and validation, I'll help you build self-awareness and resilience, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-worth. Whether you are navigating a difficult life change or healing from past trauma, my goal is to provide the emotional support and practical tools you need to move forward with confidence and inner strength.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by teaching individuals practical skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Through DBT, you'll learn to stay present and grounded in the moment, effectively manage and tolerate distressing situations, regulate intense emotions, and improve your relationships with others. By incorporating these skills into your daily life, you will gain the tools to navigate challenges with greater resilience and stability, fostering a balanced and empowered approach to your mental and emotional well-being.

Mind-body approach

I utilize a mind-body approach to therapy emphasizing the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, focusing on how emotional and psychological well-being can influence physical health and vice versa. This holistic approach often includes practices such as emotional freedom techniques better known as "tapping therapy," mindfulness, visualization, and breath work to help manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. By promoting a harmonious balance between the mind and body, this approach aims to enhance overall well-being, improve emotional regulation, and foster a greater sense of inner peace and resilience.

Psychodynamic

Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on exploring the unconscious mind, early life experiences, and unresolved conflicts that influence current behavior and emotions. It aims to bring these hidden factors to the surface, allowing individuals to gain insight and work through them. When appropriate, I integrate psychodynamic principles with other approaches like CBT and DBT. For example, I might use CBT techniques to address immediate symptoms of anxiety while using psychodynamic exploration to understand the deeper roots of these symptoms. In my sessions, I create a therapeutic environment that fosters open dialogue and self-exploration, encouraging you to delve into past experiences and unconscious processes as appropriate. This holistic approach can help you achieve deeper, long-lasting change by addressing both surface-level symptoms and underlying issues.