Maria Gonzalez, LCSW

Hola! I am a bilingual, bicultural (first generation Mexican-Salvadoran American) licensed therapist based in California (#27110). I understand the importance of culture/identity and how they each play a part in how we see the world. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I am a mother to two beautiful children and can relate to many issues relating to parenthood. 

I am passionate about helping clients through their healing journey. I am committed to helping my clients understand how their past experiences impact their current lives. My specialties include treating trauma (e.g., racial trauma, intergenerational trauma, childhood trauma, complex trauma in immigrant populations), inner child work, anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem issues, grief and challenging life transitions. In addition to my clinical experience, I also have extensive experience as a medical social worker. I worked in a variety of settings such as the inpatient medical hospital and outpatient oncology clinic. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT),  Narrative Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based therapy used to address trauma, anxiety, and emotional wounds.  I believe each client should have an individualized treatment plan which means I utilize an eclectic approach that will best meet my clients needs. 

My educational background includes a Bachelors of Arts degree in sociology from San Diego State University and my Masters of Social Work degree from Long Beach University.