About
Maribel
Under supervision of Robyn Reyna LPC-S,RPT-S
Maribel Hernandez LPC-Associate, NCC, Play Therapist In Training
Co-regulator, Optimist, Creativity cultivator
Specialties:
Play Therapy
ADHD & Executive functioning coaching
Behavioral & Emotional challenges Interpersonal Communication
Parenting
Dysregulation
Life adjustments
Anxiety
Childhood wounds
Ages:
Children 3+
Teens
Young adults
Schedule:
Monday-Friday 1PM-8PM
APPROACH
Have you or your child ever noticed that you struggle to regulate even after using a breathing exercise you learned online or in a book? What if I told you that you may be struggling due to attempting to reach a state of calm? Regulation does not always look calm, it is actually meant to reconnect you with your body. As we traverse through life, we may need additional support from someone like a therapist to help us navigate through emotions in our life when we are struggling. I regularly teach regulation and co-regulation tools both directly and indirectly to my clients and/or their caregivers. My goal is to provide a safe space for self expression and exploration, where the authentic self can be seen. Throughout the therapeutic process, I incorporate skills, tools, and insight in order to help you feel empowered and in control to create real change in your life.
Parents, my work starts with helping you navigate and understand your child's BIG feelings. Helping you better communicate and support your child is my passion. This connection empowers them to express their authentic selves by highlighting their strengths and interests. This process cultivates safety which leads to increased communication, information processing and improved family dynamics.
My approach is integrative and collaborative with an attachment theory perspective. I believe that each person is unique and has a one-of-a-kind worldview that has been influenced and shaped by their lived experiences. For this reason, I tailor my therapeutic approach to each individual client.
EXPERIENCE
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, National Certified Counselor, and hold a certificate in bilingual counseling with an emphasis in Spanish. I am also currently working towards my Registered Play Therapist credential. I have extensive training in play therapy,which I use most often with children ages 3 to 12. This modality allows children to use toys like words to help them safely explore, communicate, and heal. I have also worked with adults in a counseling center and at-risk youth and their families at a non-profit.
I offer executive functioning coaching to clients who struggle with ADHD, boundary setting, task initiation, emotion regulation, and self advocacy; together we identify specific goals, troubleshoot obstacles, and build sustainable habits. I also have training in Polyvagal therapy (PVT), which is a therapeutic approach that creates more understanding and management of our body's response to stress and trauma. I often use tools from this modality in working with young adults who are struggling with anxiety, life transitions, and childhood wounds. I also help clients develop essential interpersonal communication skills, such as understanding nonverbal cues, engaging in active listening, building connections, resolving conflict, challenging avoidance, and activating assertiveness."
I have a strong interest in neuroscience and dysregulation. I find joy in helping my clients understand their mind-body connection, highlighting the nervous system. I have received level 1 training in Synergetic Play Therapy®, which is a researched-informed model of play therapy combining the therapeutic powers of play with nervous system regulation, interpersonal neurobiology, physics, attachment, mindfulness, and therapist authenticity.
PERSONAL
When I am out of the office, I enjoy treasure hunting at thrift stores (especially for board games to add to my collection!), being out in nature, going to new coffee shops, spending time with loved ones, playing my Nintendo Switch, and watching Netflix with my cat. I appreciate the things that bring me joy in life as they help me recharge in order to be fully present as I navigate through life.
