MEET OUR TEAM
We believe in YOU and your capacity to create a better life.
Are you just plain tired of worrying and worrying about worrying?
You’re overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions and are ready for help.
You’re tired of feeling disconnected from the ones you love.
You want to create a better life but aren’t sure you can do it on your own.
Even though things may feel a bit hopeless right now, it’s important to recognize you’re not in this alone.
We’re here to help you.
Creating a meaningful life—one where you’re able to feel calm, connected, and confident—is not natural or easy for everyone. Like many others, you’ve probably already tried different strategies to get a handle on things but find yourself repeating the same patterns despite desperately wanting to change.
Rest assured that with willingness, a good therapeutic relationship, and the right strategies, it Is possible!
Everyone can change and create a life they’re excited about living!
Dr. Maribel Gonzalez
Licensed Psychologist
Founder & Clinical Supervisor
DBT-LBC, Certified Clinician
Qualified Supervisor
Some people find their calling. Mine found me at 17, in my first Psychology class — and I never looked back.
The opportunity to help others- especially those who are in deep emotional pain- was something I could not pass on. Since then, I've dedicated my life to helping teens, young adults, and families modify their mindset, change their behavior, and manage their emotions so they can create a life that's meaningful and purposeful — one where they can achieve their goals and build healthy, lasting relationships.
Working with teens and their families is my passion — mainly because teens so often feel misunderstood.
The teen years are a critical window for social and emotional development, yet it's also when young people most frequently feel disconnected, unseen, and unworthy.
My personal experience as a mother of tree teens, combined with two decades of clinical work, has shown me the profound impact that effective, skillful support can have. I consistently see remarkable change happen in both teens and their families when the right tools are in place.
If you're a parent feeling overwhelmed by what your teen is going through — I see you, and I've been there. If you're a teen or young adult who is struggling and not sure where to turn — we're glad you're here.
Things can start to get better, and you don't have to figure it out alone.
Why work with us:
We care deeply about the families we support and believe collaboration is the key to a successful therapeutic relationship.
During our journey together, we'll set goals for treatment which consider changing thinking and behavior patterns that are now getting in the way of having healthy relationships and accomplishing goals.
We'll stand by your side and guide you and your family as you overcome life's hurdles, providing the tools that will help manage intense emotions and nagging thoughts. At times, when things don't work out exactly as planned, we will be there for support and will help you get back on track so you can begin moving forward again.
Imagine creating a life you're you and your family:
Have peace of mind.
Feel connected to each other and others.
Are able to manage your emotions in healthy ways.
Experience personal confidence.
When this happens, we've both done our job and even though you may no longer need therapy with us and we’ll miss you, we’ll also feel satisfied and excited for you, knowing that you’re now empowered to tackle life’s challenges and chapters yet to come.
Education & training:
BA in Psychology, Georgetown University
MA & PhD in Clinical Psychology, Carlos Albizu University
DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified DBT Clinician
Foundational Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech, DBT treatment developer’s Marsha Linehan training Institute
Trained in DBT Skills for Adolescents with Multiple Problems by Dr. Blaise Aguirre, founding medical director 3East McLean Hospital
Intensively Trained in DBT-Prolonged Exposure for trauma by treatment developer Melanie Harned
Comprehensively Trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) by treatment developer Steven Hayes and master trainers Robyn Walsner and Kelly Wilson.
Intensively Trained in Advanced DBT by Charlie Swenson, MD & Kelly Koerner, PhD.
Comprehensively Trained in Invitation to Change Approach (ITC) by program developers Jeff Foote, PhD. & Ken Carpenter, PhD.
Intensively trained in DBT Family, Parents & Couples Therapy by treatment developer Dr. Alan Fruzzetti
Intensively trained as Family Connections Leader by program developer Dr. Alan Fruzzetti
Trained in DBT for Substance Use Disorder by Dorian Hunter, PhD.
Certified Bullying Prevention Trainer, Clemson University
Primary Therapist, First Hospital Panamericano, Behavioral Health Teen & Adult Units