I am a seasoned psychotherapist and a certified psychodramatist with over twenty years of professional experience. I am licensed in Massachusetts as an LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker).  I received my MSW at Smith College in '99 and trained at the Harvard teaching hospitals, Cambridge Health Alliance and Massachusetts General Hospital. 

I am trauma-informed, eating disorder specialized and a certified practitioner of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy, a powerful expressive art therapy bringing the soul to life. I am internal family systems (IFS) trained. I am particularly passionate about integrating psychodrama and IFS, both extremely powerful modalities for healing and transformation. I am also trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which is extremely useful for skills development.

I have worked in all levels of care in the Boston area with individuals, couples and families with major mental illness, eating disorders and addiction.

Psychodrama is an expressive arts therapy that translates as bringing the soul into action, psyche meaning soul and drama meaning action. It was originated by Dr. JL Moreno and further developed by his wife Zerka. Psychodrama brings to life what otherwise might remain unconscious through powerful experiential techniques. For more information visit: www.asgpp.org.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy was innovated by Dr. Richard Schwartz. It's a method of therapy that honors multiplicity of Self including core, essential or infinite Self that is assumed to be present in all of us. IFS honors that we all have parts that serve purposeful roles. Some parts developed with burdens through constraints and conditioning that can block Self-leadership. The intent of IFS is to harmonize the system by unburdening wounded and burdened parts so they may heal and be free to live spontaneously and harmoniously as they are meant. IFS is an experiential and attachment based method that allows for deep healing and living mindfully in the present moment. For more information visit:

https://ifs-institute.com/resources/articles/internal-family-systems-model-outline.

DBT stands for dialectical behavioral therapy and was developed by Marsha Linehan. It balances skills development through the teaching of four modules: core mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and emotion regulation. 

Sessions are fee for service. $200 is my fee for a 50/55 min session.

I am credentialed with most Tufts of Massachusetts products, Optum, Medicare and can submit for out of network PPO plans as well. When using insurance for payment, I use a service specializing in mental health billing called Eagle Billing for claims submission. For insurance, often there is a co-pay and/or deductible that applies, which you, the client, is responsible for paying at the time of service. I take all major credit cards, have a payment system for keeping a card on file that is safe and simple. I also use Venmo or simply a check.  

What is a typical session like?

A typical session is about 50\55 minutes. We begin by settling into the present moment often with a short moment for pausing, breathing and calling in Self energy.  This is done with attention towards getting a sense of what you want to focus on.  What’s most present for you is the priority as you and your priorities guide the work. I hold space for whatever is needed, moment to moment. Sometimes what's needed is deeper healing of a part. Sometimes what's needed is coaching and skills building to address a difficult situation. Most of the time focus on boundaries, self-expression, emotional processing and communication is needed. I also hold space for accountability from session to session for desired outcomes, goals and intentions. My style is active, warm and down to earth. My intent is to bring awareness to honoring your deepest needs, cultivating conscious living and a lifestyle based on true nourishment for living a fulfilling life of impact.

Who are your clients?

Though I work with people of all genders and all age ranges,  I have worked mostly with women between the ages of 18 to 65. I work mostly with individuals though have extensive group, family and couple's experience.

I am particularly interested in working with high-performers, creatives and soulpreneurs and generally those seeking authentic connection, balance and purpose to realize authentic lives of meaning and impact.

How do we meet?

My practice is based in Boston where I am licensed as an independent clinical social worker license #111055. Currently, all my sessions are conducted remotely using Zoom. 

Though I work with people of all genders and all age ranges,  I have worked mostly with women between the ages of 18 to 65. I work mostly with individuals though have extensive group, family and couple's experience.

I am particularly interested in working with high-performers, creatives and soulpreneurs and generally those seeking authentic connection, balance and purpose to realize authentic lives of meaning and impact.

My practice is based in Boston where I am licensed as an independent clinical social worker license #111055. Currently, all my sessions are conducted remotely using Zoom. 

Contact Maria