Hi there! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. We all have ways to cope with life’s stressors just fine. But when that natural process of coping breaks down, gets blocked, or is not moving along as quickly as you want, that is where I believe that therapy is helpful. I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology in Los Angeles, and have been practicing therapy in California for 7 years. I help women overcome challenges with anxiety, stress, panic, depression, and life transitions. I am passionate about focusing on strengths to empower you in your mental health and wellness. Therapy sessions will be a nurturing, nonjudgmental space for you to express yourself openly.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, I invite you to ask me any questions that you have about therapy. We will get to know each other, and make sure that we will be a good fit to work together. I will ask you about what challenges you are facing, what has been helping you get through this time, and what you would like to accomplish in therapy. With my collaborative approach, I trust you as the expert on yourself as we work together. At the end of the first session, I create a tailored plan for us to help achieve your goal.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I create a warm, welcoming space for you to unpack life a bit. I apply a trauma-informed, strengths-based, holistic, and culturally sensitive approach to learning about you. I will go at your own pace with what you want to talk about in therapy, and I aim to see the world through your eyes. In sessions we won’t only discuss what is challenging - but also about what is important to you and what you enjoy. Together, we can learn coping skills, assertive communication, boundaries, thought-challenging, and ways to develop a fulfilling life.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I love working with young women - from college students to professionals to mothers who are balancing personal and work life to gain balance. My clients may struggle with constant worry thoughts, people-pleasing, feelings of numbness, fatigue, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and difficulty relaxing. They may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in place. These clients may also isolate, being the listener but rarely listened to, out of concern that they may be a burden to others.
About Mariah Dennis
Specializes in
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Licensed in
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
My therapeutic style is direct, authentic, and supportive. I use curiosity, creativity, and humor in sessions. I provide culturally-sensitive therapy with a nurturing, nonjudgmental space for you to express yourself openly. I focus on your strengths, interests, and solutions. In sessions, we find barriers that are blocking your growth and how to address them. Since you are the expert on yourself, I will act as a support in you being able to manage problems in your own direction and pace. We will learn ways to overcome negative/worry thoughts, manage life stressors, and develop coping skills.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
When trying to avoid or suppress the uncomfortable emotions, you may find yourself feeling stuck, or not sure how to move in the direction you want. When using ACT, we can identify the emotions and thoughts, observing that they are happening without judging them. From there, I would want to know what you want your life to look like - what do you want your life to be about? We can then brainstorm ways to have your life look that way, and start taking steps to get there. Following what you want in life instead of what is pressured for you to do or “should” do all the time.