How do you even begin to leave a review for someone who has helped to change your life?…read more
I have been procrastinating leaving this review, because I don't know how do to justice to her impeccable skill and generous demeanor, other than to say that Maria is simply a terrific therapist.
Of course, everyone has a style that suits their needs best, but Maria is amazingly adaptable and solution-oriented. She is a no BS kind of person, but with a gentle delivery. I wish I could sponsor everyone in the world to have access to this quality of therapy, because it is truly one of the best investments I have ever made in my life. In working with Maria, I feel like have finally developed the skills to be in the drivers seat of my life, rather than being stuck reacting to old dynamics/patterns/trauma, and struggling to cope with various mental health challenges, etc.
With Maria, therapy is a practical and enjoyable pursuit, and I often find myself laughing with her during the hardest or moments, or when I had been on the verge of tears 2 seconds prior. She keeps me from taking myself (and life) too seriously, while also helping me to heal some of the deepest and hardest things I have pushed under the metaphorical rug. It feels like you are speaking to an old friend, and I never feel judged at all for anything that I say.
She often makes time for me when I need an extra session, and I really appreciate the feeling of someone having my back in this project of getting a handle on my mental health, rather than that I am going at it alone faced with random or impersonal doctors who just want to prescribe me something.
Maria worked with me earlier this year at a time when I was really contemplating seeing a psychiatrist for a prescription, but wanted to try consistent therapy first. She was supportive of whatever my decision was, and I am happy (!) to report that I feel like a completely different (more "stable" haha) person a year later, just from our weekly sessions. While I have done many therapy sessions over the years, before this year I have never done therapy consistently for long enough for it to make a lasting change in my habits and thoughts, and the difference I feel is amazing.
Whereas this time last year I was really struggling to cope with my depression and panic attacks on a daily basis, I have both raised my baseline and my ability to cope with the ups and downs of depression and anxiety to a point where I no longer experience panic attacks frequently at all, and have healed lots of old pain that was weighing me down (and am no longer considering medication at all!).
The virtual sessions with Maria are really easy and convenient (and I love the occasional virtual visit from her two adorable dogs during the session). Also, I have recommended Maria to many friends and family, and she has helped them a great deal as well. My mom, my sister and my cousin have all benefited so much from their time with Maria, and as a consequence Maria is very well versed in our family dynamic, which is super helpful in allowing her to offer a more wholistic family-therapy style approach.
It is also worth noting that Maria is very focused on establishing your goals and meeting them, and not just stringing you along for sessions forever (though I was never in any rush to taper-down our sessions!). At her urging, we regularly adjusted our weekly sessions into bi-monthly sessions and then monthly sessions, and finally, switched to an as-needed basis as I progressed in my treatment. I feel lucky to have Maria on my team, so to speak, as I navigate the craziness of life and mental health! :Thank you for all your help and wisdom :)