I am inquisitive about my clients and eager to hear about their life and hurdles and I think that comes across in the the sessions. I feel that my clients also pick up on the non judgmental/supportive space I provide in treatment.

I am a curious person and encourage my clients to be the same about themselves. I have found that to be a great way to begin a relationship. I pride myself on creating an open, warm, trusting environment for my clients to share their stories. I consider the therapeutic relationship as an honor and privilege. My clients have stated that I am an empathetic listener who is very easy to talk to; especially when having to share very personal stories.

Hello, I'm Maria, a marriage and family therapist trained to help you and your relationships thrive. Couples you are my specialty! I have advanced training to help you with any type of problem you may be facing. I have 20 years of experience in helping people heal both relationally and individually. I graduated from Virginia Tech, where there was an on-site clinic and the best training for resident students. My approach is through a systemic and attachment perspective. I specialize in marriage and couples counseling, and have advanced training in emotion focused therapy, which is recognized as one of the most effective approaches to resolving relational distress. I also work with families and individuals to help reach the goals you want for yourself so that you can achieve inner healing, process attachment wounds and learn how to live a healed and prosperous life. I am also trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, emotions focused individual therapy, and internal family systems. I am a board-approved clinical supervisor and I help other therapists on their journey of becoming a professional, clinical therapist. I understand how difficult reaching out for help can be and how hopeless or fearful you can be. Help is here. Reach out for a free consultation to see if I'm the right fit for you. I can't wait to meet you!

Feeling stuck in your relationship? Grieving a loss that others don’t seem to understand? Or struggling with anxiety that’s quietly hijacking your day-to-day life? You don’t have to face it alone. I help individuals and couples navigate anxiety, grief, and relationship conflict with compassion, clarity, and direction. My approach is rooted in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and systems-based counseling, which means I don’t just look at symptoms, I help you identify strengths, shift patterns, and build new ways forward. Whether you're in the middle of a crisis or just feeling numb and disconnected, therapy can be a space to reset. I use evidence-based techniques, paired with a healthy dose of empathy and occasional humor, to help clients feel both seen and supported. I believe healing happens when we feel safe enough to be real, and I create an environment that allows just that. Clients often come to me when they’re overwhelmed by relationship tension, family challenges, personal loss, or internal pressure to "keep it all together." Together, let's explore what’s working, what’s not, and what new choices are available to you. I’m licensed in Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Connecticut, and I offer virtual therapy for busy professionals and couples who want expert support without commuting or rearranging their lives. If you’re ready to move from surviving to thriving, whether in your relationship, your grief, or your inner world, let’s work together to build connection, clarity, and healing. Book a free consultation or visit my website to learn more.

I work very hard to create a warm and welcoming environment with clients to make sure that we're working together on goals and that there is space for the client to work on the things they identify as successful and challenging.

I have been in practice for over 20 years. I provide mental health support services, offering comprehensive services including biopsychosocial assessments, interventions, and follow-up services for medication management. I treat mood, trauma, and stress conditions. I also have experience with healthcare-related diagnoses and stressors, including prenatal and postpartum conditions, and loss. I utilize various therapeutic methods, including attachment-based approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed approaches, and family systems theory.

I offer compassionate and evidence-based therapy to help you navigate life's difficulties. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or trauma, I can provide the support and tools you need to heal and grow. I'm here to listen without judgment and offer guidance on your journey toward healing and well-being. Together, we'll explore your thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. I believe in your ability to overcome challenges and achieve your goals. Through therapy, we'll work collaboratively to identify your strengths, develop practical solutions, and empower you to live a fulfilling life. I am available to clients across the state, allowing you to visit with me in the comfort of your home through telehealth, whether it be during the week or in the evenings or on weekends.

I believe therapy is a collaborative process. I understand there are many times in our lives when we need support to help with a transition, a loss, a relationship, or a family issue. My approach is to assist you in gaining insight and awareness around issues that impact you in your life, and to build the confidence to deal with them. I focus on the development of coping strategies, improving communication skills, and resolving conflicts related to work, family, and relationships. It is my belief that therapy is a safe, supportive, respectful environment that can empower someone to find their voice and regain balance in their lives.

In my practice I use a variety of cognitive-behavioral techniques; visual guided imagery, Imago intentional dialogue and exercises, Voice Dialogue, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), EMDR, and stress reduction techniques. I provide a safe, comfortable, compassionate, and fun environment.

I began working in this field almost 30 years ago because I wanted to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Over the years, I have worked with countless individuals, couples, families, and groups to help them improve their quality of life. Through my experience, I have learned that: Although many may appear to be similar demographically in terms of age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, etc., everyone brings hisher own individual histories to therapy -- histories that distinguish each client as a unique individual. As a result, I welcome all clients, and I recognize that each client will bring hisher own history and values to therapy. I commit to working within each individual's system of values as I try to help the individual draw from hisher history to improve hisher quality of life. My two primary metrics are: a) tangible improvements in an individual's life, and b) the individual's feelings and understanding regarding change and the process of change. Like physical therapists and coaches who are willing to challenge their athletes to perform at full potential, I am willing to challenge my clients to reach their full potential in life. But my guiding philosophy is: "challenge by choice" -- I will only as far and as fast as my clients are comfortable.

I provide individual therapy (in person andor virtually) for late adolescents and adults in the greater Washington, DC area and I am PsyPact licensed so can see people in participating PsyPact states. I also provide comprehensive ADHD assessments. I have a particular passion for working with young adults who are figuring out and navigating their next "chapter" of life. I aim to help individuals capitalize on their strengths and work with their limitations, change their responses to interpersonal problems, and help them form new and improved healthy relationships and ways of relating to their world that does not repeat previously unhealthy patterns. By bringing support, encouragement, humor, and a nonjudgmental perspective to our work together, I meet clients where they are, whether they have been to therapy before or are exploring therapy for the first time. Knowing how important the therapy relationship is, my primary goal is to make my clients feel heard, understood, and hopeful. I adapt my approach and style, as needed, to work with my clients' unique needs. I am always happy to jump on the phone for a brief consultation to determine if we may be a good fit to work together.

Human connection is at the center of my work. I believe that healing begins in a safe, supportive relationship where you feel understood and respected. My role is not to provide quick fixes, but to partner with you as we explore your experiences, strengthen resilience, and create space for meaningful change. I draw on evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). These methods can help reduce distress, shift unhelpful patterns, and support the mind and body in processing trauma. I also provide dedicated support for adolescents, offering a space where they can feel safe to express themselves and build the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges. In addition, I offer psychedelic integration therapy, helping clients process insights from psychedelic experiences and apply them in grounded, practical ways. Above all, I aim to create a compassionate, collaborative environment that honors your unique story and helps you move toward healing and growth.