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Hi, my name is Mary Baez, and I am a therapist. I am licensed in the state of California as a Marriage and Family. My license number is 48302. I have been in the mental health field for 16 years; my first concern is building rapport and trust with clients. My approach is holistic and eclectic. I believe it is important to address the mind-body connection in mental health, and I tailor my interventions to the individual needs of my clients, thus taking an eclectic approach.
My approach
My approach is client-centered, meaning that I listen to the concerns of my clients, and ask open-ended questions to collaborate on goals they would like to achieve in therapy. I very often utilize cognitive interventions that assist the client in examining their thought process and searching for more positive ways of thinking, leading to positive outcomes.
My focus
I work well with clients who have or are experiencing depression and anxiety. Additionally, I work with clients who have experienced trauma. I do well with assisting clients in resolving relationship issues of a personal nature or in the business arena. I am motivational and find success in raising self-awareness, thus allowing clients to reach their full potential in life. Reflecting on this change this on my drive home helped me realize that I was a role model without even realizing it.
My communication style
I set a calm atmosphere where there is no judgment, just a collaborative arena to assist clients in sorting through their thoughts and feelings so that we can come up with interventions and meet their needs. I have been told by clients that they feel heard and understood. Clients can also expect some light-hearted humor when appropriate.
My journey to mental healthcare
My first "aha moment" was when I was volunteering in a college course as a youth counselor. I ran a group of young girls. One day, she was left stranded, and I had to give her a ride home. When I walked her to the front door, I was warmly welcomed into the home. Her mother showed me a picture the girl had colored of me, which was posted on the refrigerator door. Her mother proceeded to tell me how this little girl admired me and what a difference I had made in her life. On my drive home, I reflected on this experience and realized that this was monumental. It changed the direction of my life, and I changed my major to human sciences.
My goals for you
Goal setting is collaborative. We arrive at goals after clients sort through what has brought them into therapy. My part in setting the goals is usually clarifying and reframing some of the thought processes to understand what we will be working on. Goals can be fluid if clients decide to add or subtract from the end results they would like to accomplish. Clients drive the process.
My first session with you
Clients should expect to give a general family history when we first meet. This is done in the form of a Genogram. I will also go over any questions clients may have regarding therapy. In the first session, we will be getting acquainted to assist clients in feeling comfortable with the therapeutic process.
