Maria Gonzalez

My name is Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Psy.D. I am a Spanish-speaking Clinical Psychologist based in Los Angeles, California. As your therapist, my role is to provide you with the space to express yourself openly without judgment, and-together-we will develop treatment goals that promote your overall mental and emotional well-being. My specialty is helping clients who experience issues with self-esteem, depression, performance anxiety, communication problems, and anger management. I have worked with clients who seek therapy because they often feel stuck and confused with no sense of direction, and they are unable to function in the world due to a lack of motivation and or performance anxiety.

My approach

My approach is client-centered, a method of individual psychotherapy in which the therapist's role is to listen and then reflect or restate without judgment. There is no single approach that works for everyone. I utilize several treatment modalities based on each client's needs.

My focus

I am comfortable working with adults who often experience adjustment disorders and feel lost and uncertain because of life transitions, work stress, grief, and job or relationship loss. During my fifteen years of practice, I have worked with clients from all walks of life. I started my practice at a community mental health clinic that served the Latino immigrant community. I have worked with other community members who did not have adequate access to mental health services. Moreover, my job experience in the public mental health system prepared me to treat clients with severe and persistent mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorders, along with a dual diagnosis of substance abuse. I also work with victims of violent crimes.

My communication style

My communication style is calm, non-judgmental, and personable. I create a safe therapeutic environment in which my client feels safe to share the things that are causing emotional distress in life.

My journey to mental healthcare

I became a psychologist because I have a passion for helping others. There are times in life when we are faced with challenges and adversity. These events do not define us, but our response to these events will ultimately determine the outcome.

My goals for you

In the early phase of treatment, I typically work with new clients to build a therapeutic relationship. Building trust, comfort, and tolerance towards treatment is the focus of the initial phase of treatment. Once there is trust, I help my client identify goals in areas that need improvement and what will be the focus of treatment. I believe that as human beings, we are completely capable of making changes to reach our true potential and improve our quality of life.

My first session with you

The first session is more of an introduction to get to know each other and determine if we are a good fit. Clients can expect to be treated with respect, empathy, and understanding during the first session. We will discuss what it means to be in therapy. We will discuss why the client seeks treatment at this particular time. I will ask questions to help me understand how they manage the world and the cause/source/origin of emotional distress.