Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Encinitas, CA covered by Aetna

You’ve done the work. You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, gone to talk therapy before — and somehow you still feel overwhelmed, STUCK or rudderless. Nonetheless, you are SUCCESSFUL, high-functioning on the outside while struggling with holding everything together FOR everyone else inside ; or even feeling imposter syndrome.

Maybe it's stress and emotional exhaustion, trapped in unexplained patterns, or carrying trauma that still lives in your body no matter how much therapy you've done. Is passing the final exam talking it's toll?

Good news, I specialize in helping people who are tired of just talking about their pain. Whether you are navigating a painful divorce, or carrying deep childhood abuse, or paralyzed by an upcoming licensing exam, I provide a space to finally address and let's CHANGE the cycle.

My Focus is Anxiety: Licensing Exam/test, ADHD, divorce anxiety/trauma, Bipolar I/II, substance/addiction disorders, CPTSD, trauma, chronic pain/health, nightmares, phobias, childhood sexual/physical/emotional abuse, sexual trauma/rape & self identity.

I have EMDR certification work completed and pursuing next level training as an EMDR Consultant because I'm passionate about this work. The work you do today can impact not only your future, but the generations that come after you. We don’t just talk about trauma — we process it at the nervous system level so your brain and body can begin to heal. For EXAM anxiety, we dive quickly into EMDR to process.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with experience providing bilingual (English/Spanish) therapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Fresno, my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University, and I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. My background spans nonprofit organizations, county behavioral health, private practice, and healthcare, supporting clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and other mental health concerns. I believe therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. I meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels comfortable while helping you build the tools to reach your goals.

Introduction

I primarily use a cognitive behavioral approach. My focus area of practice is helping clients improve their lives and find meaningful change.

My communication style

My sessions are calm, collegial, interactive, respectful, directive, and helpful.

How I help clients reach goals

Change does not necessarily take a long time. We're 'shooting for the moon' right away. What's the worst that could happen?

My journey to becoming a provider

Helping others help themselves is an absolute privilege! I'd pay them to do this work (but please don't tell them that.) How did I get here? It's a long story. I originally went to college to be a journalist, but changed to broadcasting. Dumb. I needed to jumpstart my life, so I changed to this profession. Talk about purpose and meaning!

Hola! I'm Maribel, a seasoned provider of 20 years who believes in starting where you are. I will support you through your current struggle. I partner with you in your healing. I look forward to supporting your growth and helping you discover your strengths and patterns so you regain control of your journey. I am EMDR Trained, Certified in HeartMath (biofeedback technique) and a Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider.

I have lived in the Truckee Tahoe area off an on for over 30 years, I have an AA Degree in Early Child Development, a BA Degree from the University of California Santa Cruz, and I attended the University of. Nevada, Reno for my Masters in Social Work.

My husband and I have two grown children who live in Northern CA and Nevada. We are avid skiers, mountain bikers, and my hobbies include cooking, art, writing, and learning, and of course, playing with our mini golden doodle, Joaquin.

My roots are in Scranton, Pennsylvania; growing up, life was challenging and unpredictable for me and my sisters. I was the first member of our extended family who was able to put themselves through both undergraduate (BA - Latin American Studies/UCSC, and graduate school (MSW- Masters in Social Work, (UNR) and graduate with honors.

All three of my younger sisters followed in my footsteps to pursue higher education and to find success as Professionals.

My husband and I moved to the Tahoe/Truckee area together in the early 1990s, pursuing seasonal employment. We somehow made ends meet, things got a little easier each year, and he later pursued a career in resort and business management, while I pursued continuing education, mental health and licensure, and opening up my practice.

Our son and a daughter both grew up enjoyed attending local public schools in Truckee, and later the Univeristy of California; they are both living fulfilling adult lives in the nearby region.

I HAVE 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING IN MENTAL HEALTH. I HAVE TRAVELED THE WORLD STUDYING CULTURES AND RELIGIONS AND HAVE A LIFETIME OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES THAT GIVES ME A CLEAR INSIGHT INTO WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. I WILL BE THERE FOR YOU 24/7 AND I ACTUALLY CARE. I AM INTERESTED IN YOU AS A WHOLE PERSON AND NOT JUST A CURRENT PROBLEM, MY GOAL IS TO GET YOU FEELING BETTER QUICKLY AND ENRICHING YOUR LIFE FOR A FUTURE FILLED WITH POTENTIAL AND JOY.

Learn how to express yourself so that you are heard and understood by the ones you love. I work with families, couples, and individuals to break generational patterns that no longer serve them. We all deserve to be connected with ourselves, our children, and our loved ones and I hold a special place in my heart for co-parents who want to put their children first but can't figure out how to collaborate effectively. In collaboration, we create a safe space to connect and relate from intentional intimacy.