Maritza Mata

I am a first generation millennial child to immigrant parents. I am also the first of three in my household and the only daughter. Growing up, maybe because I was the only daughter, I would constantly find myself fascinated with people watching and noticing interactions and learning their dynamics. From very early on, I felt a strong sense of who I was and I remember one of my biggest objectives was to never allow someone to feel rejected. Now, obviously learning about boundaries, I have recognized that sometimes that is not within our control. Still, I always strive to be inclusive, empowering, understanding, and overall empathetic.

I also really enjoy history, reading thrillers, being out in the water and spending time with others. Now more than ever, I believe it is essential to recognize the systems that affect us in society and I do incorporate that when approaching a case and conceptualizing a client. If there’s anything else you would like to know about me, I am more than open to talking about it. I consider myself a pretty transparent and open person, and even though I might not know why you are curious about something, I do understand and believe that establishing rapport goes both ways.

I operate from a Person-Centered approach, which means that I value the person sitting across from me in session as someone who is capable of self-directed growth. I believe that we are all the experts of our own lives, and only we can recognize the struggles we’ve faced. With empathy, unconditional-positive regard, and authenticity, I trust my clients are able to develop a better sense of self-worth, trust in themselves, and willingness to continue exploring life. When you come to therapy, you are allowing yourself a safe space to heal and grow from your trauma.

I firmly believe we are all part of a system, in society and life in general. Oftentimes, poor communication is the main reason we are unable to feel connected to those around us. By learning about nonverbal cues, bids for connection, love languages, attentive reflecting and listening skills, you can effectively change your way of interacting with others.

Still, without being able to hold space for each other in a family system, tensions build up and low communication can transform into non-communication. In terms of partners, did you know that the average couple tends to wait 6 years before seeking marital help? (Gottman, J.M. 1994) I have received Gottman Level 1 & Level 2 trainings, which means I possess the clinical foundations of the challenges and tells of a relationship that is headed towards divorce. A poor marriage affects the couple, the children (if any), home life satisfaction, home-work balance, the children’s performance in school, and so much more.

I believe that sessions with me leave my clients with higher education about their problems, their past, and an overall awareness of others. As I work with my clients, I want them to understand why I practice what I do and I don’t expect them to take my word just because. I do not only use interventions that are scientifically based, but I also share with them and explain them so that they make sense. I’d say I’m very big on not causing more cognitive dissonance and I definitely strive to ease stressors rather than add onto them. My clients tend to share feeling seen, appreciated, respected, valued, and even loved through our treatment. While maintaining professional boundaries, I do believe effective therapy has to be personable, and like I said earlier—I don’t expect to establish rapport by only having the client self-disclose while I remain elusive. I bring my personality into sessions, but that does not mean that I use or impose my opinions or beliefs. I respect every person as their own and in my sessions, we tend to laugh, cry, rage, and hold space for each other.