Hello, my name is Maria Genter Hester I am a licensed marriage family therapist they have been in private practice on and off for about 20 years. I love working with families and teens I have a specialty in postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, I also have training in dealing with perinatal loss, abortion, miscarriage and grief. I love helping people who are interested in using their faith background to further their healing and achieve the life that they want. Most of my training has been in cognitive behavioral therapy and family systems. I earned my Masters in Counseling Psychology at the University of San Francisco, I reside in San Diego. I love the outdoors, hiking beach, art, cooking, and activities with my family and friends.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I allow people the space to set goals for change and we work toward solutions together. I appreciate that the process of just starting with a therapist is often challenging. A little about how I approach therapy is a place for you to share challenges in confidence, explore your best self and set a path toward healing as needed. My clients include children, teens, families, individuals looking for accountability and/or spiritual exploration. I look forward to working with you if it is meant to be.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, narrative therapy (everyone has a story), spiritual counseling and humor. I have an eclectic background in therapy approaches. I try to utilize what the situation warrants and what the client is comfortable with or sometimes if they ask to be pushed out of their comfort zone in order to progress.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My niche is warm, caring and yet direct with clients. I find that many people that come to me are ready to make real change and appreciate the work I do with them in challenge thinking, mindfulness in daily life and working toward cognitive restructuring and therefore lasting behavioral change.