Maria Balaji, LCSW — Therapist in Hawaii

Hi there, I'm Maria!

With a passion for mental health and helping individuals improve their overall well-being, I have dedicated my career to providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy to those in need.

My focus

I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma-informed care, grief and loss, and life transitions. I continuously expand my knowledge and skills, allowing me to offer the most effective interventions and techniques for my clients' specific needs.

My approach

I take a holistic and client-centered approach to therapy. I believe each person is unique, and their experiences shape their perspectives and challenges. By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, I establish a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients, allowing us to work collaboratively to explore their concerns, emotions, and goals.

My communication style

My communication style is compassionate, empathetic, and non-directive. I strive to truly understand my clients' experiences and invite open and honest dialogue. By actively listening and providing genuine support, I create a space where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and emotions.

My journey to mental healthcare

My journey to becoming a therapist started with a deep desire to help others improve their well-being. My diverse background in trauma care, hospice, and working with clients facing dual diagnosis has equipped me with a unique perspective that I bring into my practice.

My goals for you

In partnership with my clients, I emphasize goal setting as an integral part of therapy. We identify short-term and long-term goals, framed in a realistic and achievable manner. Progress is regularly reviewed and revised as needed to ensure the therapy remains client-driven and aligned with their evolving needs and aspirations.

Our first session

During the first session, clients can expect a comprehensive assessment where we explore their presenting concerns, background, and personal history. This initial conversation allows me to gain a deeper understanding of their goals and tailor future sessions to meet their specific needs.

I identify as...

Female
Hispanic or Latinx
Agnostic

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Compassion Focused

Dialectical (DBT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Gestalt

Humanistic

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

+ 9 more

Focus populations

Body Positivity

First Generation American/Immigrant Parents

Military/Veterans

Open Relationships/Non-Monogamy

Police/Fire/First Responders

Recovery/12 Step Friendly

Sex Worker

Single Mother

+ 8 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy

Ages served

Adults
Minors

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Arlo

+ 29 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from Hawaii Pacific University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Maria Balaji