I’m so grateful you’re here

IT’S the right time to explore healing

My goal is to provide a safe place to support a strong sense of self and confidence to bring into your life and relationships. 

Often that process reveals different layers of trauma that require in depth processing in order to uncover parts of yourselves and negative beliefs that need healing.  I incorporate the delicate balance of treating the whole person with tools to improve symptoms while uncovering the underlying issues so that you are moving out of survival mode and into living an embodied life.   I work from an attachment perspective among other modalities depending on what the individual needs.  I am trained in neuropsychotherapy so that I can fully utilize brain based science tools to help the whole person heal.  I incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS) so people can uncover the parts of themselves that are protecting them from feeling and working through trauma.  Somatic approaches are utilized since trauma is stored in the body and it is critical to heal the body in tandem with the mind.  I’m trained in Brainspotting (an attachment based form of EMDR) and utilize eye movements to help release trauma.  As a partner of Journey Clinical, I’m trained in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), which is a science-based treatment that I offer when clients aren’t improving and feel stuck in our work together with other modalities. 


HI I’M MARIA

therapist, animal lover, Friend, human

Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 2001, I’ve worked and trained with a wide range of people and am currently at my office in Mission Viejo, CA specializing in individuals wanting to find their real selves through in depth processing of trauma and healing attachment wounds.  I received my B.S. from UC Davis in 1994 and Masters from Fuller School of Psychology in Pasadena, California, in 1998.  I love working with Highly Sensitive People (HSP), empaths, and people with  anxiety, depression, and trauma.  I help people individually with relationship issues with partners, parents, children, and friendships. Because each person has their own set of unique circumstances and lifestyles, they receive highly intentional and personal care with an individualized approach that focuses on your unique needs.  I am passionate about using a holistic approach to support long-term and effective outcomes and look forward to partnering with you on this journey of self-discovery and growth.

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." - Helen Keller

With the right connection, support and resources, your soul knows how to heal itself.