Come in, welcome! Let’s get to know each other.

What kind of therapist are you?

Hi! My name is Maria and I am a licensed psychotherapist and qualified supervisor in the state of Florida. I have been working in the field of mental health and behavior health providing therapy to children, adolescents and adults since 2015.

Therapy is all about the acceptance and support required to build strategies for growth. The therapeutic relationship is the catalyst for change and emotional healing. This might be the first instance where many people experience the unconditional positive regard needed for safe emotional exploration.

This is why the most important goal for me as your therapist is for you to feel like you can trust me and that you can talk to me about anything.

Unlike a gimmicky gym, this really is a judgement-free zone. 

You can always count that when you’re on my couch, you are seen, you are accepted, and you are celebrated. 

My style of therapy is all about authenticity. I genuinely want to get to know you and look forward to our sessions!

I will always treat you with dignity, I will advocate for you, and I will see the best in you, even when you can’t.

I use a strength-based approach to therapy in order to truly tailor a treatment plan that works for you. I will work with you to find meaning and create the life and balance you have always wanted. 

As your therapist, I will gently challenge any distorted ideas that no longer serve you while helping you build healthier coping skills. I will provide you with feedback and psychoeducation.

We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.

Nothing makes me happier than hearing how our sessions help you find clarity, insight and purpose. I’m also not afraid to offer a joke, an anecdote or curse word when you need it.

So if it sounds like we would get along and you’d like to work together, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you!

Who are you, really?

Everyone says this, but… I am not your typical therapist.

I will not bore you with banal questions, like “how does that make you feel?” or provide long-winded, highly intellectualized reflections of your innermost thoughts. I am genuine, laid-back, and compassionate. Our sessions will feel more like guided conversations perfectly tailored to you rather than stiff psychoanalysis.

I know it can be tough to trust a complete stranger, so here is some information about me so you can get to know me:

I am an ENFJ.

I am always the voice of reason of the group, it’s an occupational hazard.

I am an avid coffee drinker.

I am a dog lover (that’s my emotional support dog, Cookie, up there!).

I am a true learner at heart.

I let my strengths guide everything I do: love, perspective, humor, and honesty.

I am not a Florida native. I actually moved here from Toronto, Ontario, Canada in high school and I am of Ecuadorian descent.

My job is a labor love. I cannot imagine doing anything else. Helping my patients become aware of how their past traumas affect their belief system and automatic thoughts, and furthermore be able to hold space for the pain, and still be able to move forward have undoubtedly been the highlight of my career (and my life, if I am being perfectly honest). In truth, helping people is my purpose.

I believe that therapy feeds the soul of not only the patient, but if you’re doing it right, it also feeds the soul of the therapist.

What are some of the issues you can help me with?

Daily stressors and worries

Anxious thoughts

Depressive and ruminating thoughts

Self-defeating behaviors

Low self-esteem and building confidence 

Body image issues

Questioning of sexuality and gender identity

Coping with difficult events, life circumstances and trauma

Overwhelmed by difficult emotions 

Dating issues: intimacy, commitment, conflict, breakups

Relationship and social support problems

Lifestyle changes 

Personal growth and meaning-making

Identifying values and needs

Finding purpose and balance

Setting boundaries 

Life transitions and adjustment: moving, new job, new family, school, etc.

Specific techniques that my patients learn and benefit from are self-compassion, mindfulness, coping and relaxation skills, communication skills, reframing, and challenging thoughts and behaviors that negatively affect their lives.