Maria has also worked in child protection and community services providing her with a profound understanding of family systems and the impact of early experiences on development. She is particularly experienced in working with trauma and more complex or chronic challenges, bringing a stable and non-judgmental approach to this work.
Her background in the Department of Education also implies she has a strong understanding of how challenges appear differently at school and at home, and how to support children across both settings.
Maria has a calm and thoughtful approach when supporting her clients. She takes the time to understand each individual and/or family, helping young people feel safe and supported, while working closely with parents to make sense of what is happening and what will help, ensuring that this process continues outside of sessions. Maria also believes in a collaborative approach to treatment involving relevant school staff to support the child or young person.
She has extensive experience supporting school-aged children, young people and adults with a range of presentations, including:
: Learning /behavioural challenges and school-based difficulties
: Behaviour management support
: Child/adolescent developmental challenges
: Emotional disorders such as anxiety (GAD), stress and depression, mood difficulties
: Emotional regulation difficulties,
: Relationship difficulties
: Interpersonal trauma and relational trauma- CPTSD, PTSD, reactions of abuse physical, sexual, emotional, coercive control), challenging family dynamics
: Family relationships and parenting support
: Family violence and significant life stressors
: Grief/loss and adjustment issues
: Life transitions and adjustment support
: ADHD, autism and neurodevelopmental differences (child and adult)
: Personality challenges/disorders
Her approach to treatment is flexible and tailored to each individual’s situation and goals. She draws on a range of evidence-based approaches including CBT, trauma-informed approaches, DBT, ACT, clinical mindfulness approaches, motivational interviewing, narrative therapies, and family-based work.
Maria also has a strong interest in nutritional psychiatry, including the connection between food, mood, brain health, emotional wellbeing, and cognitive function. Where appropriate, she considers nutritional care when developing treatment plans.