Hi, I'm Saray Maldonado, MSW, LCSW, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence. I work in an integrated primary care setting, providing therapy to people of all ages and collaborating with medical providers to support both mental and overall health. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore what’s really getting in the way of their well-being. My background includes working in schools, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential treatment programs, and primary care. These experiences have allowed me to support children, teens, adults, and families facing a wide range of concerns—from moments of crisis to long-standing emotional struggles. I believe therapy works best when it’s tailored to each person’s unique story, goals, and strengths. I most often work with anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns, as well as trauma, stress, life transitions, self-esteem, and relationship or family challenges. My approach blends evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and somatic techniques with compassion and collaboration. I have been providing clinical services since 2017 and have been licensed as a Clinical Social Worker since 2024. At the heart of my work is a commitment to helping people heal, grow, and reconnect with what matters most in their lives.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is a space for you to share what’s bringing you to therapy, in your own words and at your own pace. I’ll ask questions to better understand what you’re facing and what your goals are. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that reflects your needs and priorities, so that our work is purposeful, grounded, and tailored to your growth.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths as a therapist are empathy, clarity, and a deep respect for each person’s unique process. I bring warmth, presence, and structure to sessions, helping clients feel both supported and challenged in a way that fosters growth. With a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, I hold space for complexity while helping clients find their own strengths and inner stability.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I’m best positioned to work with teens and adults who are experiencing a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma, stress, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed. I work especially well with individuals who are ready to reflect on their patterns, learn new coping tools, and move toward lasting, meaningful change in their lives and relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns that affect their self-image and mindset, aiming to improve their quality of life and reduce emotional distress.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help individuals manage intense emotions, reduce distress during crises, and improve coping skills.
Narrative
I use Narrative Therapy to help individuals explore and reframe their life stories, particularly when negative perceptions from trauma or significant life events contribute to emotional distress and depression.
Somatic
I use an integrated trauma-informed approach combining somatic therapy, mindfulness, and EMDR to help clients heal at the root of their trauma. Somatic techniques increase safety in the body and reduce anxiety by strengthening the mind-body connection. EMDR targets and processes traumatic memories, supporting clients to feel more grounded, present, and resilient.