Maria Rios, LMFT

Hello!

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and I have been providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families seeking transformative growth since 2012, offering counseling across residential, outpatient, and private practice settings, including online platforms to ensure accessible, compassionate care for diverse clients.

Prior to graduating with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, my background was established in education, working as a Montessori educator in Cambridge, MA and San Diego, CA (2005-2014), where I utilized didactic materials to promote academic growth and social skills for children ages 3-7.

The heart and passion of my work is to provide you with an uninterrupted time and space for you to process and explore your thoughts and feelings and empower you to achieve your goals and realize your full potential. My therapeutic approach is rooted in C. Roger’s person-centered principles, fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment for reflection and self-discovery. I aim to bring clarity, awareness, peace, and harmony, prioritizing self-awareness. As a hope-based therapist, I offer an authentic and honest approach, empowering clients to reframe thoughts, cultivate healthy core beliefs, and tap into their innate resilience. I believe in each individual’s inner strength and assist them in uncovering their power to drive positive change. Whether addressing personal growth or relationship issues, I help clients analyze dynamics, establish healthy boundaries, and foster self-worth, providing personalized guidance that resonates with their unique needs.

I possess a robust clinical background, bolstered by esteemed training and experience. I integrate some of the leading, evidence-based psychological modalities. I have worked at McAlister Institute, a renowned outpatient and residential recovery center specializing in addiction and dual diagnoses for teens and adults (2012-2017), applying Motivational Interviewing (MI), the 12-step program, and psycho-education on dependency and generational trauma. Additionally, I have received comprehensive training from the A. Beck Institute, founded by the pioneer of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (2018). I have also gained competence in Internal Family Systems (IFS) through the work of R. Schwartz (2020). Furthermore, I have expanded my expertise by completing the prestigious The Science of Well-Being course at Yale University, enhancing my ability to provide holistic, evidence-based care (2020). Recently, I have augmented my skills through specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (2022) and Narcissistic Emotional Abuse (2023), solidifying my commitment to addressing complex mental health concerns and supporting survivors of emotional abuse.

My areas of specialization include: Mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders); Self-esteem and identity issues; ADHD, OCD, and neurodiverse concerns; Relationship dynamics and conflict resolution; Narcissistic emotional abuse recovery; Parenting support and guidance; Substance dependency and co-dependency; Crisis management, stress reduction, and life adjustments.

I look forward to working with you!