Maria Blair
Welcome! I'm glad you're here. Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you've spent a long time trying to manage things on your own. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety or depression, navigating life transitions, or trying to make sense of experiences that continue to affect you, you don't have to figure everything out on your own. Sometimes, we know something isn't working, but we're not sure why we feel the way we do or how to move forward. You may find yourself overthinking, feeling stuck in familiar patterns, struggling to manage emotions, or having difficulty understanding your own needs. Therapy offers an opportunity to slow down, explore what's going on beneath the surface, and begin making sense of your experiences at your own pace.
Understanding Your Story, Supporting Your Growth.
I believe you can accept where you are today while still working toward something different. You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy, and you don't need to know exactly what to say. We can start wherever you are and work together to identify what matters most to you, what may be getting in the way, and what changes you would like to make. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you can show up as yourself, speak openly, and feel comfortable exploring difficult thoughts and emotions without pressure or judgment. Whether your goal is to better understand yourself, strengthen your relationships, manage stress, or feel more confident navigating life's challenges, we'll work together to find an approach that feels meaningful and manageable for you.
First session
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you've never worked with a therapist before. It's completely normal to feel nervous, unsure of what to say, or uncertain about where to begin. You don't need to prepare a perfect explanation of what you're going through or have everything figured out before we meet. Our first session is an opportunity to get to know one another. We'll spend time getting comfortable, discussing what brings you to therapy, and exploring what has been weighing on you or what you would like help with. I'll also share a little about myself, explain what working together may look like, and answer any questions you have about the therapy process. Just as important, this is an opportunity for you to decide whether my approach feels like a good fit for you. You deserve to feel comfortable with the person you choose to work with. You don't have to share everything right away or revisit difficult experiences before you're ready. We'll begin with what feels comfortable to talk about, at a pace that respects your needs. Together, we'll start exploring what you hope to gain from therapy and what changes you would like to work toward. You don't need to arrive with clear goals; sometimes those become easier to identify as we get to know ourselves better. In future sessions, we'll check in about how things have been going, explore concerns that feel important to you, and work together on areas where you'd like support. Your needs and goals may change along the way, and we'll make room for that as you gain new insights and experiences. My hope is that you'll feel welcomed, heard, and respected from the beginning. Therapy isn't about having all the answers or changing everything at once. It's a collaborative process where we can begin wherever you are, make sense of what you're experiencing, and work toward meaningful change together.
Strengths
My approach to therapy is shaped by my professional background, military service, and life experiences. During my time in the military and healthcare, I experienced the demands of stressful environments and witnessed others navigating trauma, loss, and life's unexpected challenges. These experiences reinforced something I continue to believe today: every person has a story, and understanding that story is just as important as understanding the symptoms. Like many people, I know what it can feel like to believe you should "just move on" or handle things on your own. I've also come to understand how experiences from earlier in life can continue to shape the way we think, feel, and respond as adults. This perspective helps me approach clients with empathy and curiosity, creating space to explore past experiences, recognize patterns, and better understand themselves without judgment. I don't believe therapy is one-size-fits-all. Some clients prefer a therapist who listens and helps them discover their own answers, while others appreciate direct feedback, practical suggestions, and gentle challenges. I adapt my approach to what works best for you, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical skills for everyday life. I also value exploring how past experiences influence present-day emotions, relationships, and behaviors to support greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and meaningful change. Above all, I want therapy to feel like a partnership. I welcome feedback and open communication, and I want you to feel comfortable sharing what is or isn't working. I believe meaningful change happens when you feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in your growth.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who wants to better understand themselves, even if they're not quite sure where to begin. They may be looking to recognize patterns that impact their emotions or daily life and develop practical skills to create positive change. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and emotional regulation challenges. Therapy is a place where you can begin wherever you are, gain a better understanding of yourself, and work toward the changes you want to make at your own pace.
Treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in a practical and individualized way based on each client's needs. Together, we explore the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while identifying patterns that may be impacting daily life. My goal is to help clients develop practical coping skills, improve emotional awareness, manage difficult emotions, tolerate distress, and strengthen communication and relationship skills. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we will work together to find strategies that feel realistic and meaningful for you.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients acknowledge and accept where they are in life, including past experiences and present emotions, with greater understanding and less judgment. At the same time, we explore what they want to change and identify meaningful steps toward a life that aligns with their values.
Compassion-Focused
I incorporate compassion-focused strategies to help clients develop a kinder, more understanding relationship with themselves. Many people extend understanding and grace to others but struggle to offer themselves that same compassion when they make mistakes or wish they had made different choices. Together, we work toward recognizing that self-compassion and accountability can coexist. You can acknowledge where you are, learn from your experiences, and work toward change without continually judging or punishing yourself for the past.
Location
Virtual sessions