LCSW, 10 years of experience
I’m Maria, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life transitions, overcome depression, address behavioral challenges, and heal from trauma and PTSD. Through my private practice, I work with children, adolescents, young adults, and older individuals to provide personalized therapy that fosters emotional growth, resilience, and well-being. My approach empowers clients to understand their struggles, develop coping strategies, and create lasting change for a more fulfilling life. Whether you're facing a difficult transition or seeking support for trauma, I’m here to guide you on your path to healing and transformation.
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, welcoming environment where you feel heard and understood. We’ll begin by discussing your concerns and what brought you to therapy, and I’ll listen closely to understand your unique experiences and challenges. I’ll ask questions to help clarify your goals and what you hope to achieve through our work together. This session is also about getting to know each other so you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about my approach and how I can best support you. We’ll work together to create a treatment plan that aligns with your needs, and I’ll help you feel comfortable moving forward. My goal is to ensure you feel safe, supported, and confident in the process from the very beginning.
As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my deep empathy, ability to build trust, and my experience working with diverse clients. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s toughest challenges, and I take a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy. I’m skilled at creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can openly express themselves, and I tailor my techniques to meet the specific needs of each individual.
I am best positioned to serve individuals who are navigating the complexities of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and trauma. My work is especially focused on veterans and their families, offering them the support they need to cope with the challenges of military service, reintegration, and post-traumatic stress. I also have a deep passion for working with women facing postpartum challenges or fertility issues, helping them through the emotional rollercoaster of these life transitions. I understand the unique struggles that these clients face, whether it’s the weight of unresolved trauma, the emotional toll of infertility, or the pressures of mental health struggles, and I am committed to providing a safe space where they can find healing and resilience. My approach is compassionate and client-centered, aiming to empower individuals and families to rebuild their lives and achieve the emotional balance they deserve.
In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to their emotional struggles. I work with clients to recognize unhelpful thoughts, challenge them, and replace them with more realistic ones. For example, with clients dealing with anxiety, I help them identify fears and encourage them to test out whether those fears are true. I also teach coping strategies and ways to manage their emotions. CBT is effective because it’s practical, focused on the present, and helps clients feel more in control of their thoughts and behaviors.