ABOUT ME
MAURA (She/Her)
CA LMFT #116340
TN LMFT #1792
OH IMFT F.2100215
FL LMFT TPMF581
ATR #18-317
About me as a therapist:
I take pride in the fact that a group of teens once described me as the "most lit" therapist. Others have described me as "real." "easy to talk to," "empathetic," and somebody who "gets it." I do my best to make therapy not feel sterile or stuffy by bringing my authentic personality into each session. Therapy doesn't have to be boring; in fact, I believe that the more you're engaged in a session, the more you will get out of it.
I like to believe that I specialize in calling people out with compassion. It sounds scary, but I promise I'm gentle! This is what my clients have repeatedly told me they are most grateful for in our sessions. I am not going to beat around the bush when we both know you're faking because that's not helpful for anyone. It's important to express your genuine thoughts and feelings in therapy and I'm confident I can make my office a safe place for you to feel comfortable to be yourself.
I didn't become a therapist because my life has been perfect and I've always had it all together - quite the opposite! I remember being a teen full of angst and feeling so broken and alone, despite being surrounded by great people. I have experienced my own transformative therapy and wanted to be that safe person for my clients to have to get them through hard times. You don't have to do it alone.
About me as a person:
I was born and raised in New Jersey, moved to Los Angeles, CA for 11 years, and am now settling down in Nashville, TN. I love spending time around any body of water - whether is an ocean, lake, river, or hot tub, I am my happiest near some water. I have watched The Office more times than I can count and live for a night out at a comedy club. I am a painter and have filled my house with my own unique pieces. I am a homebody who also loves to travel the world. I have a dangerous sweet tooth and enjoy two warm chocolate chip cookies before bed most nights. Watching The Bachelor is my guilty pleasure and my dream job is to be the traveling therapist on the show (although I'd never be able to leave Noodle for that long!)
SPECIALIZATIONS
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is all about exploring the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use CBT techniques to help clients challenge themselves to break out of unhelpful patterns and create meaningful, lasting change.
TRAUMA THERAPY
I have been working with clients with complex trauma for several years in high level of care. I am a Certified Clinincal Trauma Professional and able to help you navigate through challenging memories and feelings from the past. I use a combination of talk therapy and mindfulness skills to help heal the mind and body.
DBT
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a skill based therapy model. I teach clients DBT skills to help with regulating emotions, tolerating distressing feelings and situations, engaging more effectively with others, and living in the present moment.
LGBTQIA+
I am an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and have been working with teens and adults identifying as LGBTQIA+ throughout my time as a therapist. I have written a clinincal research paper about using art therapy to support parents' acceptance of their gender nonconforming children.
ART THERAPY
I am a registered art therapist, meaning I use creative methods in therapy to help clients think about feelings and situations in a different way. Art can help us explore ourselves more deeply. You do NOT have to be an artist to participate in (and maybe even enjoy) art therapy!
GROUP THERAPY
Group therapy can be both intimidating and transformative. I have been running art therapy, skills, and process groups since I started as a therapist. They can serve as a new way to connect, learn, and develop. It is a way to help others through helping yourself.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Phillips Graduate Univeristy, 2017
Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy
Loyola Marymount University, 2015
Bachelor's Degree in Studio Arts and Art History
Meru Health Program
Remote Therapist
2020-present
- Remote Therapist and Mindfulness Teach with Meru Health App-based treatment program
- Assist clients via chat based therapy while they complete a twelve week treatment program including CBT, psychoeducation, biofeedback, and mindfulness
- Working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and burnout
2018-2020
Evolve Residential Treatment Center
2017-2018
- Residential counselor at dual diagnosis residential treatment center for teens ages 12-17 with anxiety, mood, obsessive compulsive, oppositional, trauma, substance abuse, and other diagnoses
- Facilitated groups including process groups, art thearpy groups, relationship groups, and more
- Responsible for intake assessments and treatment planning reviews
- Primary Therapist for adult Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intesive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Primary Therapist for adolsencent PHP and IOP
- Facilitated process, art therapy, and skills groups including CBT, DBT, communication, healthy relationships, etc
- Facilitated family sessions and multi family groups
Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program
Elementary School Therapist
2015-2017
- Therapist at 3 LAUSD Elementary Schools for students in kindergarten to 5th grade
- Individual and group therapist
- Used play therapy and art thearpy to help students achieve goals and function more successfully in the classroom
- Worked with diagnoses including anxiety, depression, bullying, family conflict, ADHD, seperation anxiety, encopresis, and more
