I’m Maria Arellano, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I’m bilingual in English/Spanish. I have 10 years of experience helping individuals and families improve their mental health and well-being by developing coping skills to overcome life challenges. I have experience assisting adult individuals presenting issues related to anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, anger management, PTSD, and stress due to life transitions. In collaboration with clients, I assist them in setting measurable and achievable goals according to each client’s needs and presenting problem as well as identifying the steps to accomplish the desired outcomes.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, after brief introductions to start getting to know each other, we will talk about the specific challenges that led you to seek therapy. We will explore what you want to achieve in therapy and map the steps to get there.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have always had a passion for helping people. I am compassionate, and have a genuine desire for my clients to achieve their goals. I have developed a skill to motivate people to improve their lives, and actively collaborate in their treatment to achieve full recovery.
About Maria Arellano
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I have been assisting clients to identify, challenge, and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to feelings and behaviors. This helps them reduce mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, anger, insomnia, etc.).
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to assist people to live in the moment, and develop healthy coping skills, manage stress, and regulate emotions so they can improve interpersonal relationships. I utilize holistic approaches as needed, involving mind, body, and spirit to help people be aware of the signs their bodies send them. It improves self-care, and build resilience and coping skills to reduce anxiety and other mental health problems.
Grief Therapy
I provide a safe and supportive space for people to express their emotions openly. Active listening without judgments is provided as well as validating their feelings while they move through the stages of grief.
Motivational Interviewing
Using Motivational interviewing, I provide genuine empathy and active listening, meeting the clients where they are. I ask open ended questions to encourage motivation to change. I offer affirmation of the client’s self-efficacy and ability to change.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I assist clients to focus on solutions instead of on the problem; on what is working instead of on what is not working, and on the present and future instead of on the past. I help clients identify strengths and internal resources to solve the problem.