About Maria

I believe that each of us has the power within us to heal ourselves, my job is to help my clients to access that power and to support them in achieving their goals through therapy. I utilize a strengths-based perspective to help clients to see what they have been doing right in their lives, acknowledge their current coping skills, and empower them to develop more skills so that their personal goals align with their actions, thoughts, and feelings. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and want to assist them in engaging with their own identities, belief systems, and finding meaning in their lives.

I have worked in the field of human services for the last 6 years, and I love engaging in helping others to find their own path and solutions that work for them. I have also been a yoga practitioner for the last 10 years and love to incorporate postures, body sensations, breath work, gentle stretching, etc. into my practice if this is a fit for my clients. I am a Masters in Social Work candidate at the University of Washington, and hold my Bachelors in Social Work. I am passionate about advocacy, social justice, and mental health work with my clients- my background provides me with a holistic approach to therapeutic practices and I work to understand the whole picture of complex factors people are facing in their daily lives. 

Therapy is not a one size fits all and my diverse background in the field has exposed me to many different modalities. Whether we choose to focus on attachment styles, mindfulness, somatic work within the body, family systems theories, CBT, psychodynamic work, grief and loss work, or trauma-focused interventions- I will work with my clients to see what feels like the right fit for them and what gets them closer to their own personal goals.

I am a second-generation American and I have my own personal understanding of what it is to be bi-cultural and to find my own identity in the world. These identities help me to acknowledge that each client is living their own experiences of culture, race, power, and privilege. I believe in empowering those who are traditionally unheard in society, and am passionate about representation for folks who identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and those still exploring their identities. 

I have three dogs and truly believe in the therapeutic value of animals and their connections with us. I love hiking and being in nature, as well as being an avid yoga practitioner. I believe that each person is worthy of life and is capable of making a difference- it would be an honor to work with and hold space with you in your healing journey.