Maria E Ordunez-Lara
Hi I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my Masters for Antioch University Santa Barbara, California and have been practicing for 15 years in the mental health field with a background in Addiction.
My passion (and purpose) is to help my clients navigate through Life transitions (job changes, divorce, relationship issues, grief, etc.) and help them develop skills to cope with these changes.
My passion (and purpose) is to help my clients navigate through Life transitions (job changes, divorce, relationship issues, grief, etc.) and help them develop skills to cope with these changes. My goal is to support clients in identifying their unique gifts and abilities to help them achieve their goal, discover their authentic selves, and learn to navigate the day-to-day challenges of living in this ever-changing world.
First session
Welcome, My name is Maria As a clinician, I provide a safe space to explore your reasons for seeking therapy and help bring out the strengths and resources that already exist inside you to further your life satisfaction. Taking that first step is the beginning of a healing and expansive journey. Together, we will identify your challenges and goals. Then, we'll identify options and strategies you can use to get there. Together, we can help you get from where you are to where you want to be at your pace. I'm here whenever you are ready to begin.
Strengths
I provide a safe space, compassionate care with a collaborative approach to healing; your voice, your story, your journey. I will support you one step at a time in developing a plan that will empower you in navigating Life's challenges. My client's become empowered to make decisions based on their values to improve their mental health and well being.
Ideal clients
I like to work with women/individuals who are seeking support as they are going through Life transitions whether it be a Divorce, New Parent, Job change, relationship issues, parenting struggles and feel stuck and overwhelmed. Increasing self-awareness, learning coping skills, and communicating feelings can lead to positive change and meaningful relationships.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been using CBT for the past 15 years. Client's learn to challenge negative reoccurring thoughts which is helpful in managing their anxiety. We will use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings and behaviors have an effect on each other. We will use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns and teach coping strategies to support in reducing your anxiety and stress.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I have utilized Mindfulness to support clients with becoming more aware of themselves and their environment in effort to increase compassion for oneself breaking away from negative thoughts and patterns. Mindfulness techniques support in decreasing anxiety
Positive Psychology
I believe in the importance of focusing on one's personal strengths which can increase happiness and well being in developing skills to increase positivity. I will support you in developing an optimistic and positive attitude which can have a significant impact on mental and physical health.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
I have utilized Solution Focused Therapy with many client's who were focused on developing goals and solutions to one's problems by emphasizing one's strengths and future possibilities. I will help you identify what is working well and building upon those aspects.
Strength-Based
I will support client in identifying their positive qualities, skills and resilience in effort to empower client to take ownership of their strengths and assist them in solving their problems.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 110970