Working with Maria

 My goal is to provide you with a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your emotional needs & overcome barriers that keep you from being the person you wish you were. I take an open-minded approach to the well-being of my clients by considering factors such as work life, family traditions, cultural beliefs, spirituality, & sexual identity of the individuals I serve.  I have a down-to-earth approach, and I will work to help make therapy comfortable & encouraging for you, instilling hope in your life every session.  I offer individual counseling sessions for adults only. I am not offering couples counseling at this time.

Be ready to commit to your progress! Although I'll be here to support you, guide you, & encourage you in a non-judgmental way during every step of your journey; I will never work harder than you do. You are the true catalyst for change in your own life. We're not able to make guarantees in therapy, but I can assure you that the benefit you receive from therapy will match the amount of time, effort, & energy you  put into the process. If you're seeking a therapist to make miracles happen *for* you, instead of *with* you, I am not the right therapist  for you. 

One of my main goals as a therapist is to help break the stigma of who can possibly benefit from counseling. In my practice, I often hear first time counseling clients state that they thought therapy was only for people who are "crazy." People attend counseling for many reasons: stress, relationship problems, career issues, grief, parenting guidance, substance abuse / dependence, as well as mental health concerns such as  various levels of anxiety & depression. It's my belief that everyone can benefit from some counseling!    

Examples of some of the problem areas I have helped people with include: 

• Co-dependency issues
  
• Depression and sadness
  
• Feelings of emptiness and lack of passion in life
  
• Anxiety and worry
  
• Stress and feeling overwhelmed
  
• Anger and violence problems
  
• Communication Issues
  
• Trust issues
  
• Arguments
  
• Sexuality and intimacy issues
  
• Sex addiction
  
• Gender identity concerns
  
• Loneliness
  
• Emotional intimacy
  
• Low self-esteem and self-confidence issues
  
• Divorce transition problems
  
• Multi-cultural issues
  
• Adjustment and transition problems
  
• Work or career concerns
  
• Identifying, setting, and accomplishing goals
  
• Identifying passion, purpose, and direction in life
  
• Spirituality issues
  
• Problems with unhealthy eating 
  
• Body image concerns