Dr. Maria A. Ruiz, PsyD

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In life, we all go through difficult moments where we need to reinvent ourselves. Life’s circumstances often force us to question our self-esteem, confidence, and what we think of ourselves. Understanding how we feel is not an easy task, sometimes we get confused, and we may know something needs to change but don’t know how to do it. However, everything is easier when we seek professional help that can do what the people around us cannot, which is: to listen non-judgmentally, understand our issues, challenge with respect, and guide us in dealing with our problems easier.

Often anxiety and depression, along with other issues, come from the inability of a person to believe in the qualities and abilities which make them unique and different. Many times, the experiences in childhood and infancy contribute to behaviors that a person has today, and for this reason, patterns are repeated. I believe life’s greatest lessons are usually learned at the worst times; we don’t grow when things are easy. We grow when we face challenges.

Therapy is a collaborative process; we will work together to achieve your goals. I can help you understand the deeper roots of your symptoms and life patterns. In therapy, you are the expert, and I’ll be on your side, collaborating with you, helping you understand your own emotions, listening to your strengths, and watching for obstacles. I help you so you can see the whole picture of your life from a systemic perspective. I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, low self-esteem, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, alcohol use, grief, parenting, and relationship issues (jealousy, mistrust, defensiveness, and lack of communication).