Hello, I am a graduate from University of Southern California and have been providing mental health services for the past 20 years. I am experienced in providing individual and couples therapy and have an extensive history in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, and substance use. I have worked with various populations from children to teens, homeless, victims of domestic violence (teens & adults) and LGBTQ community. I also enjoy working with newcomers to the United States in helping them transition into a new culture. I come from a client centered approach starting from where the client is and take steps along with the client towards their objective and goals. There is no cookie-cutter approach to therapy as all clients will have their own individual needs and I will work with them to meet their goals. Everyone has challenges in life and everyone has their own story. My goal is to work with the client in changing the narrative and helping them to know that it can be done. Skills are developed that can help ease the transition from "I can't" to "I can".

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

In our first session, introductions would take place, and I would ask what brought you in for therapy. I'd gather as much information from you and work together on developing a treatment plan with objectives that can be met through our follow-up sessions.

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

I'm a good listener and this gives me the opportunity to use the reflective listening to help client's gain insight into their strengths when they don't see them. I will challenge client's when it is appropriate and necessary and at the right time in treatment. What is necessary? Necessary is when thinking errors continue to be hindering their progress. I'm good at pointing out the positive things that client's are doing when they don't see it. Praise is so important, especially when they don't value themselves and feel unworthy. I am the therapist that is going to emphasize the strengths and steps, that they take no matter how small they are towards their desired goals. I will work towards helping client see their worth and reinforce positive progress.

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

I love working with young adults and helping them see that the next chapter after finishing high school is one that they can now be in control of. The post high-school transition can be complex and challenging with all the expectations that are put on them. Young adults feel overwhelmed and anxious and it' s nice to see them eventually be able to focus on how to manage and cope with developed skills. I also enjoy working with client's who are depressed and being able to use CBT techniques to help them change the negative thinking patterns that work against them. I have seen much success with depressed clients who can reframe, challenge, and develop new skills to decrease the depression. It's rewarding to be able to see client's see their worth and practice self-love which can get lost in depression. I also enjoy working with client's who have grief since I am able to affirm to client's that there is no timeline on grief and I am able to validate their grief and help them process their feelings. It's so important to be able to normalize the waves and all the stages that come from grief. The process can be challenging from what once was, however, the goals is to help clients transition into a new normal in time and at their own pace.

About Gloria Maldonado