Welcome! My name is Maria, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Mississippi and Arizona with over 25 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have BA degree in Psychology and a MS degree in Clinical Psychology from Mississippi State University. I also have an Ed.S. degree in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri. I have experience with both adults and adolescents. I have worked with an array of client populations and concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, substance abuse and recovery issues, trauma, self-esteem, bipolar, and schizophrenia. Life is often full of challenges, which ebbs and flows with each chapter of life. I am here to support, empower, and guide you on the journey that is uniquely yours, and one in which you are the author. I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to support your self-discovery, dreams, and aspirations and to help you live your best life on your own terms. People seek counseling for a variety of reasons. I realize that some people may only need a sounding board and support from their counselor. Some people solely need the processing element from a counselor to increase their confidence in decision-making skills and make sense of life’s happenstances. While for others, it proves to be a safe, confidential space to vent, which proves cathartic in its own right. For some individuals, it may be candid advice, perspective, and goal-directed solutions to pressing problems. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific goals. I realize that counseling can seem intimidating for some, so I will work with a format and at pace with which you are most comfortable. My counseling style is down-to-earth, warm, and empathetic. I believe in meeting a person where they are in guiding them along their journey. I believe every person has intrinsic value and worth, and I treat everyone with dignity, respect, and compassion. I also favor a person-centered, individualized approach that embraces self-determination, empowerment, and resiliency. I value holistic care, which seeks to improve overall wellness and health. My approach is eclectic in nature and combines person-centered, strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, brief solution-focused, mindfulness, and reality therapy. Additionally, I may assign worksheets from time to time to promote introspection and insight. I applaud you for being here today and your quest to improve your overall well-being and happiness. It takes courage and strength to seek a more fulfilling life and to contemplate change. When you are ready to take that next step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you on your journey!