Maria Simental, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Maria Simental

Maria Simental

(she/her)

LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual

Hello, I’m Maria Simental, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in mental health. At Grow Therapy, I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings without judgment. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to your unique needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and trauma-informed care. By integrating these methods, I help you explore your emotions, challenge negative thought patterns, and build resilience. My goal is to empower you to tap into your inner strengths and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can work toward meaningful change, helping you lead a more fulfilling and authentic life. Your journey is important, and I’m genuinely committed to walking alongside you on this path.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In your first session with me, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment where you’ll feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings. We’ll start by discussing your reasons for seeking therapy and any specific challenges you’re facing. I’ll ask questions to understand your background, experiences, and goals for our work together. This initial session is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions about my approach and what to expect moving forward. My aim is to build a trusting relationship, so you feel comfortable and supported as we embark on this journey together.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As your therapist, I believe my greatest strengths are my ability to connect with you authentically and my commitment to creating a safe space where you can be yourself. I understand the unique challenges you face as an individual, whether it’s dealing with anxiety, healing from past traumas, or navigating depression and relationships. I’m here to listen without judgment and help you explore those feelings. I also bring a blend of practical strategies and empathetic support, so we can work together to find solutions that resonate with you. My goal is to empower you to embrace your strengths and create positive changes in your life. You can count on me to be a reliable partner on your journey, encouraging your growth and healing every step of the way.

About Maria Simental

Identifies as

Specializes in

Anger ManagementCareer CounselingChild or AdolescentParentingSelf Esteem

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to their feelings and behaviors. Through structured conversations, we explore how these thoughts influence your emotions and actions, allowing us to develop practical strategies for managing them. By focusing on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we work together to create healthier coping mechanisms and foster a more positive mindset. This approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique experiences, helping you achieve your goals more effectively.

Strength-Based

I adopt a strengths-based approach to empower clients by focusing on their inherent strengths and resources. This method emphasizes your unique abilities, resilience, and past successes as key components of your healing journey. Together, we identify and build upon these strengths to tackle challenges and set meaningful goals. By fostering a positive perspective, we work to enhance your self-confidence and promote a sense of agency in your life. This collaborative approach helps you recognize your capacity for growth and encourages you to harness your strengths to create lasting change and fulfillment.

Trauma Informed Care

I practice trauma-informed care to ensure that clients feel safe, supported, and understood throughout their healing journey. This approach recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and emphasizes the importance of creating a secure therapeutic environment. Together, we explore how past experiences may affect your current emotions and behaviors, focusing on empowerment and resilience. By prioritizing your comfort and autonomy, we work to build trust and develop coping strategies that promote healing and growth. This compassionate framework helps you navigate your experiences while fostering a sense of safety and agency in your therapeutic process.

Motivational Interviewing

I incorporate Motivational Interviewing (MI) to empower clients in exploring and resolving ambivalence about change. This client-centered approach focuses on enhancing your intrinsic motivation by helping you articulate your own reasons for wanting to make changes. Through open-ended questions and reflective listening, we work together to clarify your goals and values, fostering a sense of ownership over your journey. By creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment, MI encourages you to identify and overcome barriers, ultimately guiding you toward positive change at your own pace. This collaborative process helps you build confidence and commitment to your personal growth

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

I apply Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help clients explore and understand their emotional experiences, particularly in relationships. This approach focuses on identifying and expressing core emotions, which can enhance connection and intimacy with partners or loved ones. Together, we work to recognize negative interaction patterns and develop healthier ways to communicate your feelings. By fostering emotional awareness and vulnerability, we create a safe space for healing and deeper connection, empowering you to build more secure and fulfilling relationships. This collaborative process allows you to reconnect with yourself and others in meaningful ways.

Maria Simental, LCSW