LPCC, 13 years of experience
Hello there.....My name is Maria Paola Cortes Elser, I was born in Colombia and have been living in the USA for 23 years now, and as an immigrant, I confronted different situations that helped me to grow personally, and spiritually and understand how special it is to be from somewhere else and become part of this extraordinary country. I understand the challenges that come from this transition from different land to America and all the life experiences that those changes include, mentally culturally and spiritually. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Santo Tomas De Aquino University in Bogota Colombia, and a master’s degree in Professional clinical counseling from Grand Canyon University in the USA. I have been working in this field for 10 years, and I have experience with DV, PTSD, Sexual and physical abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and Personality Disorders, as well as Substance abuse. I speak English and Spanish, and my motivation is to help and support individuals and families who struggle with relationships, and Mental illnesses through faith and professional clinical counseling.
In our first session we will together set your goals, and we will together work towards you succeed.
With my eclectic approach, you will find responses to your questions and you will understand why you make certain decisions and why you act or behave in certain ways, together we will find your own formula , your own coping skills and solutions for different issues that includes mental health or life challenges and changes. I provide for my clients with a safe space where they can be themselves and not be judged , I want to help ... I speak Spanish and English
I'm very successful with couples communication, families issues as in mothers and teen ages daughters, conflicts, bereavement, changes in life, acculturation, racism , trauma, loses, managing stress and depression, and provide coping skills to reduce symptomatology, Anxiety, depression , bipolar disorders, domestic violence and substance abuse.
Individual therapy , Family therapy ,mother and teen daughters issues, trauma. self-esteem.empowerment.
4 ratings with written reviews
July 29, 2025
Paola is incredibly warm, attentive, and empathetic. Talking to her felt like talking to a caring friend—her genuine reactions made me feel truly seen and heard. I came to her during a very hard time, and she never rushed my healing. Instead, she offered support and strategies that helped me move forward at my own pace. I'm deeply grateful for her presence and care. Thank you soon much Paola!
April 29, 2025
Paola is so thoughtful and brings a smile to my face every session. She helps me gain the courage to find solutions to problems I encounter day to day with the time management & coping skills she introduced to me. I’ve become more open to the world around me not staying stuck in my own head. Overall i’m so glad I got a great first therapist I couldn’t have asked for better.
March 21, 2025
Paola is the best!!