Maria Woods

Maria Woods, LCSW-S, CCM, ACM, LSSYB, As a licensed master-level social worker, my goal is to heighten the functioning and well-being of individuals, families, and communities by practicing clinical social work in a knowledgeable, ethical, and professional manner. I believe that all individuals can achieve their full potential in life if given the opportunity and skills.

My approach

There are quite a few techniques that are used with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It’s an effective type of short-term therapy, based on the connections between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how they can influence each other. For instance, CBT highlights how negative thoughts can lead to negative feelings and actions. But, if you reframe your thoughts in a more positive way, it can lead to more positive feelings and helpful behaviors. Depending on the issue you’re dealing with and your goals, there are several ways to approach CBT. Whatever approach your therapist takes, it will include identifying specific problems or issues in your daily life becoming aware of unproductive thought patterns and how they can impact your life, identifying negative thinking and reshaping it in a way that changes how you feel, learning new behaviors, and putting them into practice.

My focus

I most typically work with adult clients and occasionally with couples. I am comfortable with treating clients with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

My communication style

I create an environment of trust and mutual respect. I care deeply about the inherent right of each person to be treated with dignity and respect. I respect the client's autonomy and their right to be validated.

My journey to mental healthcare

Being a therapist offers the opportunity to understand oneself and others provides personally meaningful and impactful work, fits with a view of being a giving and caring person, and allows one to be genuine and authentic in interactions with others. People who seek mental health therapy often experience distressing emotions, thoughts, or actions. Therapists can evaluate and provide guidance on these types of symptoms to assess the best method of treatment and serve as an outlet for someone who needs a listening ear.

My goals for you

Goal setting in counseling is the process of helping a client imagine desired outcomes and develop plans to reach those outcomes. Goals can guide and organize a person's efforts so they can reach objectives efficiently. Clients must actively participate in goal setting and ensure that the goals are measurable and realistic.

My first session with you

The client should expect to get to know me as a therapist and agree or disagree with the ground rules of professional behavior at all times. Clients should expect that I will explain in detail my code of ethics and that their confidentiality is of the utmost importance at all times. I will answer any questions related to the therapy I can provide and will honestly assess the needs of the clients and if I am not prepared to handle the case, I will ensure that I find a therapist that can and is willing to accept them as a client.