Experienced and compassionate licensed mental health counselor with a strong ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Skilled in providing high-quality care and implementing effective interventions for trauma, substance use, mental health disorders, and developmental disorders. Maintains a private practice in central Florida, focusing on: - Empowering clients to cultivate self-compassion and gain new perspectives on their circumstances and experiences. - Challenging maladaptive beliefs and behaviors to foster emotional healing and personal development. Fluent in both spoken and written Spanish.

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

During your first mental health counseling appointment with an expert and experienced therapist, you can expect the following: Introductions and Establishing Rapport, Go over the confidentiality policy, Go over Goals for therapy, Start the initial assessment, Exploration of Concerns, Discuss The Collaborative Planning, Addressing Questions, Setting Expectations and, start Building a Therapeutic Relationship.

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

I have an innate ability to understand and share feelings and provide effective support. I have the ability to fill the room and radiate presence. I have the ability to understand unique perspectives and encourage trust. O have the ability to convey information, exploring emotions, and facilitating insight and change. I establish trust immediately; I understand the main differences among cultures, and I remain present in the influence and impact of survival mechanisms. I have the ability to assess complex situations, identify key issues, and develop appropriate treatment plans which are crucial in helping clients overcome challenges. As a human being I deal with emotional and challenging situations requiring a strong mental health to be resilient, able to manage stress, and maintain my well-being. I am able to be open however attached to nothing as the only thing truthful is change. I understand and accept my own beliefs, biases, and reactions as important in maintaining objectivity, managing countertransference, and providing effective counseling. I engaged in more than 100 hours of certify training per year, when majority of Mental Health Professional nearly reach 20 hours every 2 years. These strengths, among others, contribute to my ability as a counselor to support my clients effectively, promote positive change, and facilitate the therapeutic process towards improved mental health and well-being.

About Maria Puentes