Hola! My name is Maria, I'm a first-generation therapist seeing clients in person & virtually from Ventura, CA. I specialize in working with women who have experienced sexual abuse and supporting daughters who have experienced emotional neglect due to emotionally immature or unavailable parents. In therapy, we do the work to become the adults we've always deserved to be.In our work together, my goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore the impact of your past and how it’s showing up in your life now. I take a compassionate, client-centered approach, drawing from different therapeutic methods like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Healing, and EMDR, depending on what fits best for you. We’ll dive deep into the emotional and physical toll of trauma, whether it’s from childhood sexual abuse, growing up with emotionally unavailable parents, or navigating the complexities of being a first-generation individual. I’m here to help you unpack feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety and work through patterns that no longer serve you. Together, we’ll also look at how cultural expectations and intergenerational trauma may have played a role in shaping your experiences.

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

In our first session, my main goal is to get to know you and understand what’s bringing you to therapy. We’ll talk about what’s been going on in your life, your experiences, and what you hope to get out of therapy. It’s a time for you to share at your own pace, and for us to start building a safe, comfortable space for you to explore what’s on your mind. By the end of the session, we’ll have a clearer idea of what your needs are and how we can work together going forward.

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

I bring a deep understanding of intergenerational trauma and how culture shapes experiences, which helps me guide clients toward healing in a way that feels authentic to them.

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

Your dream client is a first-generation Latina, who has carried the weight of cultural expectations, family responsibilities, and unspoken sacrifices. She’s ready to explore her inner world with curiosity and courage, even if she feels nervous or unsure. She values deep, reflective work and seeks to heal from generational trauma, break cycles of emotional immaturity, and reclaim her voice. She wants to better understand her identity and balance honoring her roots while prioritizing her own healing and growth.

About Maria Avila

Appointments