Marie Alvarez, LMHC - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Marie Alvarez

Marie Alvarez

LMHC
8 years of experience
Virtual

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Florida for the past 10 years. I consider myself more of a modern day millennial therapist. I am trained in EMDR therapy. I guide my clients in understanding how their early life shaped their current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, helping them process and release unresolved pain. Through therapeutic techniques such as trauma-informed care, I assist in rebuilding their sense of self, fostering self-compassion, and empowering them to develop healthier coping strategies. Ultimately, my intention is to help clients regain control over their lives, cultivating resilience and emotional well-being.

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

Clients typically expect to establish a trusting rapport with the therapist, share their reasons for seeking therapy, and discuss their goals for the process. They may anticipate learning about the therapy approach and what to expect moving forward. It's often a time for clients to explore their concerns in a safe, non-judgmental space, while beginning to understand how their past experiences influence their present challenges. Clients might also expect the therapist to ask questions to gain a clearer understanding of their history, emotions, and needs, helping to set the foundation for future sessions. Building trust is essential in the therapeutic process, and I deeply value creating a safe and supportive space for clients. I understand that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful progress, and I recognize that I may not be the right fit for every client. It's important to me that clients feel comfortable and understood, so if at any point we don't feel compatible, I encourage open communication. Together, we can discuss whether to continue working together or explore other options to ensure that clients receive the best support for their needs.

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

As a therapist, my strengths lie in my ability to deeply value connection, ensuring that clients feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their journey. I am passionate about empowering clients to take ownership of their healing, helping them build confidence and resilience. I focus on creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can freely process their feelings and experiences. At the same time, I hold clients accountable for their growth, encouraging them to take actionable steps toward their goals and fostering lasting, positive change in their lives.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I work with motivated adult clients, ranging from 18 to 60 years old, who are committed to their therapeutic journey and eager to become more self-aware. These individuals are driven to explore and address their personal challenges, often seeking growth and healing in areas such as trauma, relationships, and emotional well-being. They are open to introspection and actively engage in the therapeutic process, striving to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and create lasting, positive changes in their lives.

About Marie Alvarez

Identifies as

Specializes in

Self EsteemTrauma and PTSDAnxietyDepression

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Attachment-based

I apply attachment-based therapy by focusing on the way early relationships and emotional bonds shape an individual’s current patterns of behavior and interpersonal dynamics. I create a safe, empathetic environment where clients can explore their attachment styles and how these influence their relationships, self-worth, and emotional regulation. By fostering a secure therapeutic relationship, I help clients develop healthier ways of connecting with themselves and others, guiding them towards more adaptive ways of coping with past wounds and building stronger, more secure attachments in their lives.

EMDR

I integrate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients process and heal from past traumatic experiences that continue to impact their emotional and psychological well-being. I guide clients in reprocessing distressing memories, allowing them to reframe their emotional responses and reduce the intensity of trauma-related symptoms.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop psychological flexibility by encouraging them to accept difficult emotions and thoughts rather than avoiding or fighting them. I guide clients in identifying their core values and align their actions with those values, even in the face of distressing experiences.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

I believe that each person has the innate capacity for growth and self-healing, and my role is to provide the unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness that fosters this process. By actively listening and reflecting clients’ thoughts and feelings, I help them gain greater self-awareness, explore their emotions, and develop a stronger sense of self-worth. This collaborative, client-driven approach supports individuals in finding their own solutions, enhancing their emotional resilience, and moving toward personal growth and authenticity.