Guided Peace Counseling

Hello, I'm Maria. I have worked in the mental health and substance use field for over 20 years and have had the opportunity to practice in a variety of settings. This has allowed me to work with individuals from many different backgrounds, ages, and life experiences. I believe one of the most important parts of therapy is building a genuine, trusting relationship. My approach is eclectic, drawing from a variety of techniques, with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) often serving as a foundation. I enjoy helping clients gain insight, explore different perspectives, and better understand the patterns that may be keeping them stuck. Clients often describe my approach as practical, direct, and reality based. While I provide support and validation, I also believe in respectfully challenging clients to help them recognize their strengths, develop new skills, and create meaningful change. Therapy is not always about eliminating difficult emotions. Sometimes it is about learning how to tolerate and navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, or life stress in healthier ways. Sometimes it means accepting circumstances we cannot change, rather than approving of them. Other times it involves discovering what brings meaning, purpose, and fulfillment to your life, then intentionally creating more space for those experiences. Seeking counseling is not a sign that something is wrong with you. It is an investment in yourself. Whether you are facing a specific challenge, working through past experiences, improving relationships, or simply striving to become the best version of yourself, therapy can provide the support, insight, and tools to help you move forward. Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a life that feels meaningful, balanced, and authentic.