Maria Gracia Abad

Therapy with me is collaborative, curious, and tailored to you. I pay close attention to your thoughts, emotions, and patterns, and I ask questions that help you notice, reflect, and gain insight. My style is thoughtful and analytical, I listen carefully, but I’m never passive. I speak or intervene when it’s helpful, to guide, clarify, or gently challenge in ways that support your growth. Some sessions are reflective, exploring emotions and experiences. Others are practical, focusing on strategies or small experiments to navigate everyday challenges. The mix depends on what you need in the moment. I draw on evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and person-centered therapy, tailored to your personal needs. Therapy is about understanding your patterns, easing self-blame, and experimenting with new ways of responding, so you can feel relief, clarity, and a sense of hope. Clients often tell me they feel heard, clearer, more grounded, and empowered after our work together. My aim is to help you make sense of your experiences, develop tools to navigate emotions and relationships, and feel more connected to yourself and the world around you. In our first sessions, we’ll talk about what brings you here and identify what you’d like to get out of therapy. Together, we’ll create a plan that feels right for you, whether that means processing difficult past experiences, managing present challenges, or exploring new ways of responding to life. Therapy can start wherever you are. Some people come knowing exactly what they want to work on, while others may need time to build trust and feel comfortable engaging in the process. I am here to support you in either case, helping you move at a pace that feels safe and meaningful. If a client’s needs fall outside my current expertise, I may suggest a referral to ensure therapy is safe and effective. My priority is always supporting clients in the way that best meets their needs. I understand that reaching out for therapy can feel scary or uncertain, but you’ve already taken the first step by being here. If you're ready to explore what healing and self-understanding can look like, I’d be honored to support you. The best way to reach me is by email or by leaving a voicemail with your name, number, and best time to call back. I may be in session and unable to answer, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.