Specialty: Trauma (Childhood, Relationship, Physical/Emotional/Sexual, Cultural, War)
I work with: Adult Individuals, Couples/Partners
My favorite therapy modalities: EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Attachment-Focused Therapy
Friends call me: Funny, Thoughtful, Curious
Defense Mechanisms: Shut Down, Control
You can experience more fulfillment in your life and relationships! I’m here to support you.
Hi! I’m Maria.
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. I love working with trauma survivors and their loved ones.
My clients tell me that I help them feel supported, hopeful and confident; they can feel the good parts of life again, be kind to themselves, and heal from the past.
I provide trauma therapy for adults:
I help adults work through the lasting effects of childhood or adult trauma, neglect, and abuse on their relationships, mental and emotional experiences, and sense of self.
You feel fearful/overwhelmed, scared and numb. You might worry you are too sensitive, that people you love will eventually hurt you, or that you don’t deserve healthy or reciprocal love.
Through therapy, you can feel safe & grounded, worthy of love, and empowered/powerful in their life.
I also provide couples therapy:
I help couples who are feeling stuck and overwhelmed work through the impact of past painful or traumatic experiences on their relationship, and build confidence in their ability to navigate conflict and communicate their emotions.
You feel worried, exhausted and helpless. Neither of you feel understood or heard by the other, leaving you feeling lonely and disconnected. You don’t know how to support your partner without sacrificing your own needs. You might not talk about your feelings/needs, and when you do, it quickly turns into an argument.
Through therapy, you can feel understood and accepted by your partner, confident in your ability to handle the hard moments and secure in the future of your relationship.
On a personal note…
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.
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.
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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
Love Heal Grow Residency Trainings
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level I, Level 2, Trauma & Infidelity
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy w/ Sue Johnson
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals w/ Sue Johnson
Sex Therapy: Common Sexual Concerns of Individuals & Couples, LGBTQIA Affirming Therapy, Alternative Sexualities/Non Traditional Relationships
Trauma Therapy
Anti-Racism & Culturally Affirming Care
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
Help for Trauma
Help for Couples
