Hi, I’m Maria, a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at Reflections Creative Therapies. As a dedicated child and family therapist, I believe in the power of collaboration to create a strong team to support children. My approach focuses on building a trusting bond by fostering compassion, connection, and seeing beyond behaviors. Together, we explore the underlying needs driving emotions and behaviors, creating a path toward growth, healing, and resilience.

I create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore their emotions, express themselves, and heal through play, creativity, and connection.

With a background in trauma-informed care and attachment-based therapies, I integrate approaches such as play therapy, EMDR, sand tray, and mind-body techniques to support children in processing their experiences. I believe that every behavior has an underlying need, and by fostering self-compassion, self-awareness, and self-understanding, I help children and families uncover the deeper emotions driving their challenges.

As a trauma-informed therapist, when working with adults I recognize the profound impact that trauma, in its different forms, has on the mind, body, and relationships. My approach prioritizes safety, empowerment, and collaboration, creating a space where clients feel heard, validated, and in control of their healing journey.

I integrate evidence-based practices such as EMDR, attachment theory, parts work (Internal Family Systems), and somatic awareness to help clients process past experiences, understand how trauma influences present emotions and behaviors, and develop self-compassion. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I work to uncover the underlying needs and survival responses that drive emotional and behavioral patterns.

Through a holistic, mind-body approach, I support clients in building resilience, fostering self-awareness, and developing healthy coping strategies. My goal is to guide individuals toward healing, integration, and a renewed sense of self, helping them move forward with strength and clarity.

What Led Me To Becoming A Therapist

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by my own experiences and the challenges I faced growing up. Reflections on my own adverse childhood experiences and the knowledge of the effects and consequences that those experiences  can do to children and later adults deepened my passion for understanding how early experiences shape our emotional well-being. I became increasingly aware of how trauma, attachment, and environment influence the way we navigate the world, relationships, and even our sense of self.

As I grew older, I sought to make sense of my own journey and found healing through self-exploration, therapy, and education. I was fortunate to encounter therapists who helped me feel seen, heard, and understood—an experience that profoundly impacted me. Their guidance not only aided my healing but also ignited a desire within me to extend that same support to others.

Through my studies and professional experiences, I developed a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit. I learned that healing is not just about overcoming the past but about integrating experiences, understanding ourselves on a deeper level, and fostering self-compassion. This realization solidified my calling to become a therapist.

Today, I am committed to creating a safe, nurturing space where individuals—especially children and families—can process their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthier relationships. My goal is to walk alongside my clients, offering guidance, compassion, and evidence-based approaches to support their healing journey.

What I Want for You During Our Sessions

My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported as you navigate your healing journey. I want our sessions to be a place where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment—where all parts of you are welcome.

I hope to help you develop greater self-understanding, self-compassion, and awareness of the patterns that shape your life. Together, we will explore the underlying needs driving your emotions and behaviors, working toward healing and integration.

Through evidence-based techniques, creative expression, and mind-body approaches, I want to support you in building resilience, strengthening relationships, and fostering a deeper connection with yourself. My goal is for you to leave each session feeling empowered, understood, and one step closer to the growth and healing you deserve.

My education

I began my journey toward becoming a therapist by earning my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University. I then pursued my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palm Beach Atlantic University. The career of counseling is my passion and I am driven to keep forming myself, so I can better serve the people I work with. With nine years of experience working with individuals, children and families who have been impacted by trauma I have had the opportunity to get extensive training on trauma informed practices, attachment theory, positive parenting, play and filial therapy. I have also been trained in EMDR.

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Healing is not about changing who you are, but about embracing all the parts of yourself with compassion and understanding. Together, we will explore, grow, and empower the resilience that already exists within you.