Grief counselors and therapists in Hayward, CA

Welcome — I’m Maria, and I help children, families, and individuals who are navigating grief, loss, anxiety, depression, or life changes that feel heavy to carry alone. You may be feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to express what you’re going through. My goal is to offer a warm, safe space where you feel heard, supported, and understood.

Born in Vietnam and raised in the United States, my career has spanned work as a classroom teacher, registered financial advisor, technical and relational manager, and EAP counselor for Fortune 500 companies. With additional training in substance abuse, employee assistance programs, and LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, I combine practical real-world experience with compassionate, identity-affirming care.

I work well with anyone who seeks therapy and is ready to work on themselves. I have worked with about every population, culture and age group. Issues that I am best suited to treating include a wide variety of disorders, childhood trauma, addictions, domestic violence, parenting/bonding/interpersonal relationships. I certified in EMDR and expressive arts therapy. I like to offer different forms of expression to my clients in the healing arts. I also give plenty of skill building tools and homework so clients can maximize their progress outside of the weekly sessions. I speak Spanish fluently.

The therapeutic approach I commonly use is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing thought patterns, and Psychodynamic Therapy, which explores past experiences and unconscious conflicts.

Reaching out for support isn’t always easy, especially when you’ve been trying to manage everything on your own. I work with adults and adolescents who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or simply unsure of what to do next. You may be navigating depression, trauma, relationship or family challenges, grief, stress, or a difficult transition in your life. Whatever brings you in, you don’t have to have it all figured out. I’m warm, approachable, and genuinely interested in understanding your experience, not judging it. I want therapy to be a place where you can exhale, be yourself, and feel like you don’t have to carry everything alone.

I believe that therapy works best when clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where we can work together to understand challenges, build on strengths, and foster lasting growth. I take a collaborative and compassionate approach, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique experiences and goals. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, or simply feeling stuck, I am here to support you through the process.