Over the past eighteen years, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals and families through life’s most tender and transformative moments. I specialize in working with adults, teens, children, and parents in a way that helps them feel empowered, safe and truly seen. My work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves personalized, attuned care when navigating life’s challenges. In addition to talk therapy, I also integrate body-based, somatic healing practices, as trauma and stress also live in our nervous system.
Whether you’re facing anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship struggles or parenting stress, therapy offers a powerful space to explore, heal and grow. My own experiences with adversity have shaped the empathy I bring to my work- and I consider it an honor to walk alongside each of my clients on their path to greater wholeness.
SPECIALIZATIONS
Grief Group
Anxiety
Women’s Self-Care Groups
Relationship Coaching
“I'm very thankful to have found Maria when I did! Working with Maria, I was able to develop skills and strategies to navigate difficult behaviors and other parenting challenges with my kids, as well as make changes to my behavior to be a better parent. I'm much more confident in my parenting and have developed several systems that my children respond to which has made our home a much happier, smoother functioning environment. Maria also helped me develop techniques and strategies to manage my own stress, anxiety and navigate trauma. I found Maria to be very easy to work with and would describe her as a natural healer. She is my first call if/when I need counselling and therapy services for myself or my family. “
- T.B.
“Working with Maria has been transformative for our family. Her deep understanding, compassionate approach, and practical strategies have helped us navigate our challenges with confidence and hope. Over the years, we've seen significant positive changes in our child. We are profoundly grateful for the guidance and support Maria has provided over the years.”
- K.K.
“I found Maria in a very fragile time. With her help, I gained more confidence and her approach evolved according to what I was ready for. She challenged me when I needed to be challenged and comforted me when I needed to be comforted. Maria helped me navigate a devastating period of life, providing me with gentle and effective support for anxiety that a doctor attempted to prescribe me medication for. With Maria’s guidance, I was able to get through it without medication. During this period of time I experienced a deep loss and Maria was an anchor for me in a time I wasn’t sure I would survive. Looking back, I’m still not sure how I made it out, or if I could have managed without her help. She was there for me in a powerful way and I am forever grateful. We developed a very close and unique therapeutic relationship and I highly recommend her services for anyone who is looking for an empathetic, kind, and intuitive therapist who will partner with you and accommodate to your changing needs.”
- I.V.
About Me
I am a licensed therapist, trainer and speaker. I hold a B.S. in Sociology, a B.A. in Spanish from Santa Clara University, M.A. in Education, a California Bilingual Teaching Credential from UC Santa Cruz and a Master’s in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley. My specialties include therapy for adults, teens and children navigating anxiety, grief, trauma or life transitions. I also offer parent coaching and grief circles. Raised in a bilingual, bicultural home in South Sacramento, I provide services in both English and Spanish.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a middle and high school teacher and later as a school counselor. I created and led campus-wide programs on emotional regulation, mindfulness practices, self-esteem, and social skills. I also developed trauma-informed school-based groups. (Hear more on this podcast-The Live Your Wellness Podcast: 9. Mindfulness in Schools (libsyn.com). After thirteen years of working on school campuses, I discovered the role I love most, working as a therapist.
I now see clients in Land Park, Sacramento and sometimes they’re greeted by my ten-pound, hypoallergenic assistant Meeji, who is adored by kids and adults alike. For those with dog sensitivities, she comfortably relaxes in her playpen during sessions.
In my free time, you’ll find me in nature, dancing to live music, playing board games, or making ceramics.