Maria Avila

Many of the women I work with grew up with high expectations & low emotional support. They learned to prioritize loyalty, achievement, or caregiving over their own needs. Over time, this can create anxiety, burnout, relationship struggles, and a deep sense of disconnection from the self. I specialize in working with women healing from abuse, emotionally unavailable parents & religious & intergenerational trauma. Many of my clients struggle with people-pleasing, guilt, perfectionism, hyper-independence, difficulty setting boundaries, or feelings of responsibility. They often know "why they are the way they are" but still feel stuck.

I use a blend of trauma informed therapy; somatic work, attachment-focused therapy, and relational talk therapy to help clients process unresolved trauma, reconnect with their bodies, and unlearn survival strategies that no longer serve them. Our work may explore the ways family dynamics, cultural expectations, trauma, and early relationships shaped beliefs.

Therapy with me is not about simply managing symptoms or finding a quick fix. Together, we work to understand the deeper roots of your patterns so healing can happen at the core level. I help clients move beyond intellectualizing their emotions and begin reconnecting with themselves in a more grounded, authentic way.