Maritza Anguiano Avila, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Maritza!

I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I support individuals navigating some of life's most overwhelming moments, whether that's anxiety, grief, or adjusting to a serious illness or major life transition. You don't have to go through it alone.

My focus

I work with people facing recent diagnoses, loss of loved ones, relationship or job endings, and complex family dynamics. These transitions can stir up intense emotions like anxiety, depression, and anticipatory grief. My role is to help you navigate these emotional waters with compassion, understanding, and practical tools for healing.

My approach

I integrate Cognitive and Psychodynamic theories to provide comprehensive understanding of your experiences. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. I also incorporate Stress Management and Mindfulness techniques to enhance coping skills and promote emotional regulation.

My communication style

My communication style is compassionate, nonjudgmental, fun, supportive, and direct.

My journey to mental healthcare

My journey to becoming a therapist comes from my own experience of going through major loss. That loss helped me understand how important it is to have a safe space to process difficult emotions. This personal experience shaped how I show up as a therapist today: compassionate, supportive, and committed to helping others feel less alone.

My goals for you

I work collaboratively with you to identify and set meaningful goals. These may include improving relationships, building self-esteem, managing anxiety, or finding ways to cope with grief and life transitions.

Our first session

In our first session, my goal is to get to know each other and see if we're a good fit. We'll talk about what brings you to therapy, explore what you hope to gain, and identify how I can best support you. This time is about creating a safe, open space where you can begin your journey toward healing and growth.

I identify as...

Female
Hispanic or Latinx

Expertise

Specialties

+ 13 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Motivational Interviewing

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Compassion Focused

Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT)

+ 5 more

Focus populations

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

+ 1 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 52 more

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Education

Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) in Older Adults and Family from California State University, Long Beach and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Long Beach.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Maritza Anguiano Avila