Maureen DeSantis
Maureen DeSantis
(she/her)
Hello and welcome! Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. Seeking out the right fit for a therapist can sometimes feel like a daunting task. I hope that the information you find here can make things a bit easier. As a compassionate and client-centered Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years of experience, my goal is to help support people as they navigate through life's challenges. I specialize in evidence-based therapies including strengths based, CBT, and trauma-informed approaches. As a therapist I am committed to meeting my client where they are at and working to achieve their goals, all in a safe and nonjudgmental space. I firmly believe that all individuals have innate resiliency and therapy can help to tap into that.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know each other. I’ll ask about what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, and any goals or hopes you may have for the process. We’ll also review important background information—such as your personal history, relationships, work or school life, and anything else you feel is important to share. Our first session session is also a chance for you to get a sense of how I work, ask questions, get an idea if I am a good fit for you. You won’t be expected to have everything figured out—that’s what we’ll work on together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
As an LCSW I believe my greatest strength is in my ability to build a strong and trusting rapport with my clients. Studies have demonstrated that the therapeutic alliance is one of the most important factors in client's achieving their goals. I strive to create a warm, direct, nonjudgmental, sometimes humorous, space to build that alliance.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Beginning or jumping back into therapy can be a vulnerable time for someone (or maybe you're raring to go!). If you're thinking about reaching out to set up a session consider if you are open to self-exploration and ready to engage in the therapeutic process.... even if it only the tiniest bit! We can build from there. As a client, showing up with curiosity, desire to change, and commitment goes a long way. As client and therapist we will work to create a collaborative space to get you where you need to be, whatever your goals may be, short or long term. Some issues I help clients with are: relationship building (or ending for that matter), navigating divorce, emotional boundaries, family dynamics, parenting, grandparenting, reducing anxiety and depression, and recovery from traumatic events.
About Maureen DeSantis
I identify as
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Strength-Based
In my therapeutic practice, I use a strengths-based approach to help clients identify and build upon their existing capabilities, personal values, and life experiences. Rather than centering treatment solely on problems or deficits, I collaborate with clients to uncover what is already working in their lives, even in small ways. This approach promotes empowerment and I have had a great deal of success using it in my practice and personal life.
Interpersonal
I use an interpersonal approach to help clients understand how their relationships and social interactions impact their emotional well-being. This model is grounded in the belief that psychological symptoms often arise—and can be resolved—within the context of interpersonal relationships. Working with me a therapist means we'll take a deep dive on the relationships in your life, how they impact you and what changes you need to make to achieve your goals.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a structured, evidence-based approach to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The core idea of CBT is that unhelpful or distorted thinking patterns can contribute to emotional distress and self-defeating behaviors, and that by identifying and modifying these patterns, clients can experience meaningful and lasting change. This is a very practical approach to therapy.
Trauma Informed Care
In my practice, I use a trauma-informed approach to ensure that all aspects of therapy are grounded in an understanding of how trauma impacts a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Whether or not a client presents with a known trauma history, I assume that trauma may be part of their experience and shape my work in ways that prioritize safety, empowerment, and collaboration. I have an extensive history of working with survivors of interpersonal and sexual violence.
Compassion Focused
In my therapeutic work, I also use a compassion-focused perspective to help clients relate to themselves with greater kindness, understanding, and emotional balance—especially when they struggle with shame, self-criticism, or low self-worth. Self-compassion is often the the first building block to making lasting change.