Maria Dimachkie, ACSW

I help​ individuals and couples who have overcome difficult, painful times that have left them feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and fearful of the future.

You can experience more fulfillment in your life and relationships! I’m here to support you.

I’m the type of therapist who will help you dig deep to find healing and growth–even when it feels so out of reach.

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Suffering is part of the human condition, we all suffer. You do not need to suffer alone.

Just as some of our deepest hurts -betrayal, rejection, neglect, abuse – are experienced in relationship, so too is healing.

I am here to meet you where you are at, offering compassion, support, and a little humor along the way. My hope is that we can co-create a space where you feel seen and supported, and that allows you to see yourself, your relationships, and your past with more compassion and clarity.

Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or even what we are feeling without someone to talk it through with, other times we know exactly what needs to change but we need someone to stand alongside us as we face it.

I believe that humans have a natural disposition to move towards healing, and my role as your therapist is to help you clear the path of the unhealed hurt, trauma, and beliefs that are in the way.

Humans are deeply relational creatures – our sense of who we are, and our understanding of love and connection are molded by our earliest experiences.

Sometimes the tools we developed to survive and get our needs met in past (or current) relationships, stick around long after they are useful – leaving us feeling stuck in relationship patterns that cause shame, guilt, and anxiety.

Therapy can give you the tools to create the secure, fulfilling relationships of which you are both capable and deserving of.

I am dedicated to supporting trauma survivors, including those who have experienced complex trauma, sexual trauma, and childhood abuse or neglect.

I integrate trauma-focused therapies including EMDR, somatic (body-based) techniques, and polyvagal & attachment focused approaches. Traumatic past experiences do not only affect our conscious thoughts, they also affect how our nervous system perceives safety, security, and connection as we move through the world. We will work together to create a plan that is tailored to your specific needs and addresses the impacts of trauma on all levels – your relationships, your beliefs, and your nervous system. Trauma has a way of demanding attention and distracting from the present moment – my hope is that through our work together you are able to create more space in your life for relationships and experiences that nourish and fulfill you.

As a middle eastern immigrant, I recognize the ways that our identities inform our lived experiences, the oppression we have endured, and our unmet needs for safety, community, and connection.

I welcome folks of all cultural backgrounds, age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, or ability.

On a personal note…

In my free time, you will probably find me walking my 5 year-old Jack Russell, whose daily antics will never cease to entertain me. I am an amateur baker and relish any opportunity to perfect my lemon bar recipe. I’m a big fan of podcasts, historical fiction, bad reality TV, leisurely walks and laughing with my loved ones.

Articles by Maria

​Formal Credentials

Associate Clinical Social Worker (#117542): Licensed to practice psychotherapy under the supervision of Rachel Cloud, LCSW 66437.

Portland State University
Masters of Social Work

University of San Diego
B.A. of Economics, Minor in Gender Studies

Trainings
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level I
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (Hold Me Tight Program)
Gottman Couples Therapy: Level 2
Gottman Couples Therapy: Trauma and Infidelity
Modern Sex Therapy Institute: Addressing Common Sexual Concerns in Individuals and Couples
Modern Sex Therapy Institute: LGBTQIA Affirmative Therapy
Modern Sex Therapy Institute: Alternative Sexualities/Non-Traditional Relationships
Anti-Racism & Culturally Affirmative Care, Diversity & Resiliency Institute of El Paso

Advanced Trainings/Certifications
Trauma Recovery Network – EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Training (EMDR)
Institute for Creative Mindfulness: The Power of Process in Healing Trauma and Dissociation