Jessica Maldonado, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Jessica Maldonado

Jessica Maldonado

LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual

As a licensed clinical social worker specializing in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and trauma-informed care, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. I work with clients facing a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. My approach is client-centered, emphasizing a collaborative, empathetic, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change. With a focus on strengths, empowerment, and practical solutions, I help clients identify and build on their existing resources to achieve their goals. In addition to utilizing SFBT’s future-oriented methods to create rapid, actionable solutions, I integrate trauma-informed care to ensure a sensitive, respectful approach for those healing from past trauma. This holistic, empathetic framework allows me to meet clients where they are and provide the support they need to foster self-awareness, healing, and personal growth. The impact of my work extends beyond short-term problem-solving; it is about empowering clients to make lasting, positive changes that improve their overall well-being. Through our work together, clients develop the skills to better manage stress, improve their relationships, and build resilience, leading to more fulfilling lives. Whether you’re facing specific challenges or seeking personal growth, I am here to support you on your journey toward healing, self-discovery, and lasting change.

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

In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where we’ll focus on getting to know each other and beginning to explore your unique experiences, concerns, and goals. My primary focus will be on making sure you feel comfortable and supported as we lay the foundation for our work together. During our first meeting, we will spend some time discussing your reasons for seeking therapy and the challenges you’re currently facing. I’ll ask about your background, your current struggles, and your hopes for therapy, but this will be a collaborative conversation where your voice is heard and valued. My goal is to understand what’s important to you and help you feel understood and validated from the start. We will also discuss the structure of our work together, including my therapeutic approach, which may include Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and a trauma-informed perspective, depending on your needs. I’ll explain how these approaches work, so you know exactly what to expect in future sessions. You can ask any questions you have about the process, and I’ll make sure you feel confident in how we’ll proceed. Additionally, we'll touch on practical details like confidentiality, how we can best work together to reach your goals, and the logistics of scheduling future sessions. Our first session is also a chance for you to assess whether my style feels like a good fit for you and to see if you feel comfortable moving forward. Overall, your first session will be an opportunity to start building trust, clarify your goals, and lay the groundwork for creating positive change in your life. I understand that starting therapy can feel daunting, but know that I’m here to support you at your own pace, and we’ll work together to make this a positive experience.

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

As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my ability to create a safe, empathetic, and collaborative space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I strive to meet each client where they are, honoring their unique experiences and fostering an environment of trust and openness. My approach combines various evidence-based therapeutic methods—including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care—allowing me to be flexible and adaptable in meeting the specific needs of each individual. What makes me unique as a provider is my ability to blend these diverse approaches while remaining deeply attuned to the emotional and psychological needs of my clients. Whether it's helping someone break free from negative thought patterns using cognitive-behavioral techniques, guiding them through emotional regulation with DBT skills, or taking a more person-centered approach to help them tap into their own strengths, I focus on providing personalized care that reflects who they are and what they need. I am not only focused on immediate solutions but also on long-term healing and self-empowerment. My background and experience in working with individuals dealing with a wide range of issues—such as trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions—have given me a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of mental health. I have worked with diverse populations in various settings, including private practice, community mental health, and crisis intervention. This range of experience has enhanced my ability to tailor my approach to fit each client’s needs, ensuring they receive the most effective support. Another strength I bring to my work is my ability to listen actively and deeply, creating a space where clients feel truly understood. I’ve seen firsthand how the therapeutic relationship can be a powerful tool for transformation, and I take great care in fostering that connection from the very first session. My clients appreciate that I offer both compassion and practical strategies to help them navigate challenges, build resilience, and create positive change. In summary, my unique strengths as a provider come from my diverse therapeutic toolkit, my commitment to understanding and meeting clients’ individual needs, and my deep respect for the client’s autonomy in the healing process. I am passionate about helping clients not only find

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients address negative thought patterns and behaviors that impact their emotional well-being. In my practice, I use CBT to assist clients in identifying and challenging distorted thinking, promoting healthier thought patterns, and developing practical coping strategies. By focusing on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, I guide clients toward lasting change and greater self-awareness. Whether working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress, I tailor CBT techniques to meet their unique needs and support them in achieving their therapeutic goals.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I have significant experience utilizing Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients quickly identify solutions and achieve meaningful progress in their lives. In my practice, I focus on clients' strengths, resources, and past successes to build a future-oriented mindset. By asking goal-directed questions and exploring exceptions to problems, I empower clients to envision and create positive outcomes in a collaborative, efficient manner. SFBT allows me to work with clients on specific challenges, helping them move forward with clarity and confidence in a time-sensitive and solution-focused way.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

I have extensive experience using Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) to create a supportive and empathetic environment where clients feel heard, valued, and respected. In my practice, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and unconditional positive regard, which allows clients to explore their feelings and experiences without judgment. By focusing on the client’s perspective, I guide them in gaining self-awareness, fostering personal growth, and making meaningful decisions. This client-centered approach helps empower individuals to reconnect with their inner resources and navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I have experience incorporating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into my practice to help clients manage intense emotions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve interpersonal relationships. Using DBT's core principles of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, I work with clients to build practical skills that enhance emotional resilience and self-awareness. In my practice, I tailor DBT techniques to support individuals facing challenges like anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation, helping them navigate distressing situations with greater stability and improved well-being.

Trauma Informed Care

I have extensive experience applying a trauma-informed care approach in my practice, recognizing the profound impact trauma can have on a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In my work, I prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel empowered to explore and heal from their past experiences. I am mindful of the importance of trust, choice, and collaboration in the therapeutic relationship, and I use interventions that are sensitive to the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. By integrating a trauma-informed lens, I help clients build resilience, regain control, and foster a sense of safety as they work through their healing journey.

Jessica Maldonado, LCSW