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My name is Maria Barelli and I am a licensed clinical social worker and a psychotherapist. Do you beat yourself up? My mission is to teach individuals to find hope by utilizing skills to empower themselves to change their lives.
My approach
I pull from different modalities because each client is different and requires different approaches. I have special training in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT). I also have training in EMDR.
My focus
I primarily work with individuals and couples. I treat clients virtually. This enables clients to engage in therapy in the comfort of their own homes.
My communication style
My counseling style is warm, empathic, direct, candid, and genuine. You may find yourself laughing through tears. As a solution-focused, dialectical behavioral, cognitive behavioral, and client-centered therapist. I offer skills and sometimes assign homework. I provide empathic understanding. My belief includes the belief that we all have the capacity for change in a safe accepting environment.
My journey to mental healthcare
I didn't intend to be a therapist. I was working at a bank but I wasn't a very good banker. I was doing social work. I was helping people balance their checkbooks. I taught my clients how to avoid overdraft fees. I decided to go to graduate school & become a therapist.
My goals for you
Goals are important for everyone, whether they are in therapy or not. Goals help you navigate through life whether they are personal goals, professional goals, a goal to replace a bad habit, or simply a goal for achieving success. Setting goals can also give the therapist a better grasp of client growth as they proceed with therapy.
My first session with you
An Example: Hello and thank you for coming in today. It's nice to meet you. I know it can be uncomfortable to meet a new therapist. I'll be asking some nosy personal questions. I want to understand what's been going on. But don't worry, you can ask me nosy questions right back if you want to. I'll answer any questions you have today, but it's ok if you don't think of any. After I ask my questions, I'll share with you my thoughts and observations.
